Big time Boxing kicks off in Britain this Saturday when Frank Warren Promotions stages “The Night of the Champions” from Wembley Arena in London. It’s a double header that see’s Wales Nathan Cleverly fight Antonio Brancalion for the Vacant European title and Londoner Kevin Mitchell will be making the first defence of his WBO Intercontinental Lightweight crown. Also in action are former amateur stars James Degale & Frankie Gavin. At Heavyweight Derek Chisora fights Carl Baker in a British title eliminator.
In an interesting cross roads battle Nathan Cleverly 18-0(8) will be looking to complete his old fashioned route to the top by claiming the European title having already conquered Britain & the Commonwealth. Brancalion looks like a step up for Cleverly with vast experience in his 34 years which has seen him boast a 32-7-2(7) ledger. Though Brancalion may be starting to slip if last years defeat to Jurgen Braehmer is anything to go by when he was demolished inside a minute and a half. Though Cleverly’s power is getting better with 5 straight coming inside the distance it’s unlikely Cleverly can do it as quick but look for him to use his speed and pick off Brancalion early before stepping up the action and forcing the Italian to quit in the middle rounds.
The WBO Lightweight number one contender Kevin “The Dagenham Destroyer” Mitchell 30-0(22) will be bidding to please his hometown fans and get an impressive win whilst making the first defence of his WBO Intercontinental title. Though he has World title asperations it’s important Mitchell keeps up the impressive form that saw him put on a clinic last time out against hard hitting Breidis Prescott one time conquer of Amir Khan. Again he’s matched with a Columbian, Ignacio Mendoza 27-5-2(18) who has been on British shores before when he lost in 8 to John Murray. Mitchell will slightly better Murray’s result forcing a seventh round stoppage.
When Danny Williams pulled the plug on his British title fight with Derek “Del Boy” Chisora 11-0(6) it left Chisora scrambling for a replacement. Thankfully Carl “The Fridge” Baker 9-4(6) stepped up to the plate and will be hoping to provide the second shock of his career after outpointing the afore mentioned Danny Williams in Prize-fighter late last year. Though Baker will have in excess of a two stone weight advantage it’s Chisora who has the pedigree and that should see him see off Baker inside 6 rounds.
World amateur champion Frankie “Fun time” Gavin 5-0(5) will be looking to keep hold of his perfect record against his toughest opponent to date Peter “Connemara Kid” McDonagh 14-15(2). Many believe Gavin 24, has looked the best so far of his fellow Olympians. However tough Irishman McDonagh will have designs on not only making him look bad but also getting a surprise win. McDonagh is better than his record suggests and is more than capable of giving Gavin a few problems. Just last year McDonagh went the full ten with British champion Lenny Daws in and English title fight. If Gavin is able to do what only Giuseppe Lauri has done so far and stop McDonagh then that will be a clear statement of intent making people sit up and notice. Though that maybe tough as he only has 6 rounds to do it, look for Gavin to post a clear points decision.
In preparation for his Fight with Matthew Barr, James “Chunky” Degale 5-0(3) has been sparring with Heavyweights and reportedly is in the form of his life. If Degale who fights for the first time at home in London can put it all together he should get get the stoppage inside three or four rounds.
Swindon’s impressive Welterweight Jamie Cox 13-0(8) stays busy fighting novice pro Michael Frontin 2-6-1(0). Cox will be favoured to take care of business relatively quickly.
Also seeing action are the three Walsh brothers. Michael 6-0(6) at Bantamweight where he’ll look to continue his 100% record against Najah Ali 3-0(1), Liam 6-0(5) fights at Super Featherweight against proverbial loser Sid Razak 4-40(1) though Razak has only been stopped once. Ryan 8-0(3) goes up against Ian Bailey 5-3(0) at Super Bantamweight. All three are scheduled for 6 rounds.
Also at Super Featherweight Vinny Mitchell 11-0(2) fights Jon Baguley 8-17-1(4) over six.
Rounding out the show George Michael Carmen makes his debut against Matt Seawright 3-24(0).
