Tag Archives: lightweight

Ricky Burns leaves Frank Warren

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Burns continues Warren exodus as world champion 'quits' following Vazquez delay

By
Martin Domin

PUBLISHED:

09:54 GMT, 7 March 2013

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UPDATED:

10:14 GMT, 7 March 2013

Ricky Burns has reportedly become the latest boxer to leave promoter Frank Warren.

The Scottish world lightweight champion has become increasingly frustrated after his unification fight with Miguel Vazquez was rescheduled for April 20.

Burns, 29, had been due to face the Mexican on March 16 at Wembley Arena but Warren released a doctor's certificate which claimed Vazquez was suffering from food poisoning.

Quit: World champion Ricky Burns has left promoter Frank Warren

Quit: World champion Ricky Burns has left promoter Frank Warren

Alex Morrison, Burns' manager, said: 'I regret it has come to this because I have known Frank for nearly 40 years, but it has to be for Ricky's sake.

'I felt we had to do something to stop Ricky stagnating. Two fights have been called off after he has trained hard for them and it was not even certain that the bout with Vazquez would have gone ahead on April 20.

'In fact, I now doubt very much that fight was ever going to happen. Vazquez was supposed to be sick but five days later I'm told he was seen sparring in the States.

Split: Burns with Warren

Split: Burns with Warren

'There were also a lot of issues I wanted settled before Ricky fought again and these were not concluded satisfactorily. I'm quite sorry this has happened, but I have to safeguard Ricky's future and he feels himself that he now wants to move in another direction.'

Burns has not fought since he stopped Kevin Mitchell in Glasgow in September and was left disappointed when first Liam Walsh and then Jose Ocampo pulled out of a proposed bout in December.

Should his departure be confirmed, Burns will follow in the footsteps of George Groves who defected to Matchroom earlier this week after pulling out his European super-middleweight title fight with Mohamed Ali Ndiaye.

Kell Brook, Tony Bellew and James Degale have also left Warren's stable in recent years.

A spokesman for the promoter declined to comment when contacted by MailOnline this morning.

Ricky Burns versus Miguel Vazquez rescheduled

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Burns' title clash with Vazquez rescheduled for April after Mexican eats dodgy seafood

By
Martin Domin

PUBLISHED:

01:10 GMT, 4 March 2013

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UPDATED:

21:05 GMT, 4 March 2013

Ricky Burns' world title unification fight against Miguel Vazquez has been rescheduled for April 20.

The Scot was due to tackle the IBF lightweight champion at Wembley Arena on March 16 but the Mexican has been suffering from a severe viral infection after contracting food poisoning from seafood.

Nathan Cleverly's mandatory world light-heavyweight title defence against Robin Krasniqi has also been moved to the later date.

Disappointed: Ricky Burns' fight with Miguel Vazquez has been rescheduled for April 20 at Wembley Arena

Disappointed: Ricky Burns' fight with Miguel Vazquez has been rescheduled for April 20 at Wembley Arena

A doctor's report dated February 25, seen by Sportsmail, revealed that Vazquez presented with a temperature of 40C along with sickness and a fast heart rate. He was advised to rest for at least 10 days.

Promoter Frank Warren said: 'It’s very unfortunate that Vazquez has had to withdraw so close to the fight, but it is on medical grounds, which is beyond my control, due to his viral infection, and we have his doctor’s certificate confirming this.

'Therefore I have had to postpone the fight, not canceled as stated in some media reports, to Saturday April 20 at Wembley Arena. Everybody is disappointed by this postponement, but we have worked hard to ensure that Ricky’s unification fight still goes ahead.'

Burns, who holds the WBO belt, had earlier revealed his disappointment at the news.

He tweeted: 'Absolutely gutted this fight ain't happening, another training camp n it's fell through! Not only that, feel sorry for the fans, my friends and family who have now booked tickets, flights and hotels for 2 fights for it to fall through. Sorry every1!'

Switch: George Groves will announce his move to rival promoter Matchroom

Switch: George Groves will announce his move to rival promoter Matchroom

The 29-year-old had been due to fight first Liam Walsh and then Jose Ocampo last December but both pulled out at short notice.

His fight with Vazquez was announced in January but last month the Mexican cast doubt over whether it would go ahead.

'There
is nothing concrete,' he said. 'I am waiting on the response from the
promoters. If they come to an agreement, there will be a fight.'

The announcement follows the shock defection of George Groves to rival promoter Eddie Hearn which is expected to be confirmed on Monday.

The super-middleweight was also due
to fight on the London card but will instead fight a week earlier at the
same venue on Matchroom's 'London's Finest' bill.

Last man standing: Nathan Cleverly's title defence against Robin Krasniqi has also been rescheduled

Last man standing: Nathan Cleverly's title defence against Robin Krasniqi has also been rescheduled

A statement from Warren Promotions
confirmed: 'George Groves has withdrawn from the Wembley Arena show
promoted by Frank Warren on Saturday March 16.

'Groves was due to challenge for the vacant European super-middleweight title against Mohamed Ali Ndiaye that Mr. Warren won the purse bid for on January 11.

'Groves has stated that he is not interested in boxing for the EBU title at this moment and would like to take his choice of fights in another direction.

'Mr Warren would like to wish George all the best with his career and looks forward to working again with him in the near future.'

Cleverly is also reported to have been suffering from a virus which left him unable to train for five days while Dereck Chisora remains hopeful of returning to the ring next month but has yet to have his hearing with the British Boxing Board of Control after his license was revoked last year.

Ricky Burns versus Miguel Vazquez cancelled

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World champion Burns 'guttted' after unification title fight against Vazquez is called off

By
Martin Domin

PUBLISHED:

01:10 GMT, 4 March 2013

|

UPDATED:

08:07 GMT, 4 March 2013

Ricky Burns' world title unification fight against Miguel Vazquez is off.

The Scot was due to tackle the IBF lightweight champion at Wembley Arena on March 16 but the two parties were reportedly unable to agree terms.

Burns, the WBO belt holder, has not fought since he stopped Kevin Mitchell in Glasgow last September.

Disappointed: Ricky Burns' fight with Miguel Vazquez has been called off

Disappointed: Ricky Burns' fight with Miguel Vazquez has been called off

The 29-year-old was told the news by
promoter Frank Warren at the end of an already difficult week in which
super-middleweight George Groves split from his promotional outfit.

Burns tweeted: 'Absolutely gutted this fight ain't happening, another training camp n it's fell through! Not only that, feel sorry for the fans, my friends and family who have now booked tickets, flights and hotels for 2 fights for it to fall through. Sorry every1!'

His manager, Alex Morrison, told The Scottish Sun: 'While there is talk of it being rescheduled within 30 days, Ricky and I are very unhappy.'

Burns had been due to fight first Liam Walsh and then Jose Ocampo last December but both pulled out at short notice.

His fight with Vazquez was announced in January but last month the Mexican cast doubt over whether it would go ahead.

Switch: George Groves will announce his move to rival promoter Matchroom

Switch: George Groves will announce his move to rival promoter Matchroom

'There
is nothing concrete,' he said. 'I am waiting on the response from the
promoters. If they come to an agreement, there will be a fight.'

The news follows the shock defection of George Groves to rival promoter Eddie Hearn which is expected to be confirmed on Monday.

The super-middleweight was also due
to fight on the London card but will instead fight a week earlier at the
same venue on Matchroom's 'London's Finest' bill.

Of the three title fights scheduled for March 16, only Nathan Cleverly's mandatory defence against Robin Krasniqi remains.

A statement from Warren Promotions
confirmed: 'George Groves has withdrawn from the Wembley Arena show
promoted by Frank Warren on Saturday March 16.

Last man standing: Nathan Cleverly faces Robin Krasniqi on March 16

Last man standing: Nathan Cleverly faces Robin Krasniqi on March 16

'Groves was due to challenge for the vacant European super-middleweight title against Mohamed Ali Ndiaye that Mr. Warren won the purse bid for on January 11.

'Groves has stated that he is not interested in boxing for the EBU title at this moment and would like to take his choice of fights in another direction.

'Mr Warren would like to wish George all the best with his career and looks forward to working again with him in the near future.'

Dereck Chisora, the shamed
heavyweight who was stripped of his licence last year after brawling
with David Haye, was due to return on the same night but is yet to have his hearing with the British Boxing Board of Control.

Louis Smith and Pat Rice receive MBEs

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Medals of honour: Team GB heroes Smith, Baker and Hosking and Arsenal legend Pat Rice given gongs by the Queen

team were today honoured at Buckingham Palace by the Queen.

Gymnast Louis Smith, who scooped silver on the pommel horse and bronze in the men's team competition, described being awarded the MBE as 'the proudest moment of his life', but risked being turned away when he showed up having forgot his invitation.

He tweeted: 'Hahaha not the greatest start. @gabstone9 forgot our invites to Buckingham palace. Not quite as easy getting in as a school disco #oops

Member of the British Empire: Team GB gymnast Louis Smith is honoured by the Queen

Member of the British Empire: Team GB gymnast Louis Smith is honoured by the Queen

Sophie Hosking

Pat Rice

Rowing and football: Sophie Hosking and Pat Rice's respective contributions were also honoured

Dressed to impress: Louis Smith MBE with Arlene Phillips CBE at Buckingham Palace

Dressed to impress: Louis Smith MBE with Arlene Phillips CBE at Buckingham Palace

'Today is the day I become Louis Smith M.B.E ooooooo exciting times'

Natasha Baker, who was also honoured
for winning two gold medals in dressage at the Paralympics said the
occasion was 'absolutely incredible', but had earlier tweeted in a panic
over her fear of missing the ceremony.

Baker had been stuck in traffic on the M4 but eventually made it to Buckingham Palace on time. 'Stuck in traffic on M4 on my way to collect my #MBE . Any police around to give me an escort!' she tweeted.

Louis Smith

Britain's Natasha Baker

Olympians: Louis Smith and Natasha Baker were among Team GB's most impressive performers at the Games

'Tempted to get Jordan (scooter) out and drive to Buck Pal! Think she would be faster than this traffic! Don't think I'm going to get there!'

Sophie Hosking, winner of gold in lightweight women's double sculls, was presented with an MBE at the investiture ceremony.

Pat Rice

Rob McCracken

In their element: Pat Rice (centre) with the FA Cup won at Arsenal at his peak and boxing guru Rob McCracken

British Amateur Boxing Association performance director Rob McCracken, who overlooked a haul of five boxing medals at London 2012, also receives the MBE, as was former Arsenal assistant manager Pat Rice, who spent 44 years at the club, winning seven trophies as a coach.

Ricky Burns eyeing one more fight before Adrien Broner unification

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Burns eyeing one more test before 'biggest fight of his life' against Broner

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UPDATED:

19:39 GMT, 17 December 2012

Ricky Burns will not fight rising American star Adrien Broner until April at the earliest.

The Scot was due to defend his WBO world lightweight title at the Excel Arena last Saturday but prospective opponents Liam Walsh and Jose Ocampo pulled out.

Burns, 29, is instead expected to return to the ring on January 26 in Glasgow while WBC champion Broner will be in back in action three weeks later.

Let down: Ricky Burns was unable to defend his title against Jose Ocampo

Let down: Ricky Burns was unable to defend his title against Jose Ocampo

Assuming both come through unscathed, a
unification showdown could take place in America in the spring – but
only if the price is right.

Burns' manager Alex Morrison told STV:
'I spoke to Ricky this morning and we decided he will not be fighting
Adrien Broner in February.

'Ricky didn’t want to jump from a non-event to the biggest fight of his life in a matter of weeks.

'He’ll make a defence of his title in Glasgow in January and we’ll look at Broner after that.'

Burns had been promised a 300,000 pay-day by Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer to fight Broner in February.

'I hope we can make it happen then,'
he said. 'I don’t see why not and Ricky Burns will be paid two or three
times more than his previous best purse. The venue could be Atlantic
City on the East Coast.'

Mouthwatering match-up: Burns could be set to fight Adrien Broner in April

Mouthwatering match-up: Burns could be set to fight Adrien Broner in April

But Morrison added that it will take at least 400,000 to tempt Burns into facing the 23-year-old.

'Ricky will fight in America if the
money is right,' he said. 'That’s 400,000 net, after fees, after tax.
We could be looking at April.'

Broner offered to fly to London at
just two days' notice last week to face Burns, whom he accuses of avoiding
him when the pair fought at super-featherweight.

'I’m ready. Burns is a world-class fighter and I respect him for what he’s done.

'I wanted to fight him when he was WBO
super-featherweight world champion but he moved up a division. I hope
he doesn’t try to avoid me again.

'We should all try hard to make sure
our fight happens. There will be a lot at stake with two belts on the
line. Let’s give fans the kind of fight they want.

'We can all make a lot of money from this fight and be happy.'

George Groves confident of stopping Glencoffe Johnson

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I'm going to knock him out! Groves confident of stopping Johnson for only second time in his career

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UPDATED:

18:22 GMT, 14 December 2012

George Groves hopes to sound a warning to the super-middleweight division by becoming only the second fighter to stop Glencoffe Johnson at London’s ExCel Arena tomorrow night.

Groves headlines the bill after Ricky Burns’ WBO world lightweight title defence against Jose Ocampo was abandoned for contractual reasons.

It will be the unbeaten 24-year-old’s second outing of a year interrupted by back and nose injuries and the significant cut sustained during his six-round stoppage of Francisco Sierra in July.

Tough: Johnson pushed Froch all the way when they met in 2011, losing by majority decision

Tough: Johnson pushed Froch all the way when they met in 2011, losing by majority decision

Johnson is a 43-year-old veteran of 70 fights and while he has lost 17 times, he only failed to last the distance against Bernard Hopkins in 1997, providing Groves with a target for the fourth defence of his Commonwealth belt.

'I’m ranked highly with all the four major sanctioning bodies so now I’ve arrived in world class I want to build on those rankings,' he said.

'I want to keep my options open with all the organisations so that if any door opens, against any of the champions, I can jump straight in. We’re already knocking loudly.

'Clearly Glencoffe knows how to survive and stopping him would make a huge statement. I do expect to stop him but don’t expect him to just fall over.'

Groves will defend his Commonwealth title against the veteran Jamaican on Saturday

Groves will defend his Commonwealth title against the veteran Jamaican on Saturday

Groves has victories over James DeGale and Paul Smith on his 15-fight record, but Johnson is indifferent in his assessment of his opponent.

'From what I’ve seen I’m not impressed as such, but I respect George as an unbeaten prospect with a lot of potential,' the Jamaican said.

'The way I look at it, the fight isn’t about George Groves. Right now, I feel good about what I can still do. If I fight smart I’m the better fighter. It’ll be up to the judges to do their jobs correctly.'

Groves's biggest win came against rival James DeGale at The O2 Arena in May 2011

Groves's biggest win came against rival James DeGale at The O2 Arena in May 2011

Prospect: Beijing 2008 Olympian Billy Joe Saunders is also on the bill

Prospect: Beijing 2008 Olympian Billy Joe Saunders is also on the bill

Billy Joe Saunders defends his Commonwealth middleweight title and fights for the vacant British belt when he meets former unlicensed boxer Nick Blackwell.

The 23-year-old 2008 Olympian turned professional at the same time as DeGale and Frankie Gavin, but is viewed by many as the most promising of the trio.

'I didn’t really get pro boxing at first. I thought that as long as I stayed hydrated and ate fresh food, I’d be okay. But now I really live the life, take all the right vitamins and supplements,' he said.

He added: 'I’ve not really shown what I’m about in the ring but people at our gym have seen a big improvement.

'Hopefully Blackwell will hang around long enough for me to really show my classy boxing.'

Adrien Broner offered Ricky Burns world title fight in London

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Broner claims he offered Burns world title fight in London… with just TWO days notice

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UPDATED:

14:37 GMT, 13 December 2012

American world champion Adrien Broner has sensationally challenged Ricky Burns to a unification clash at just TWO days notice.

Burns was due to defend his WBO lightweight title against first Liam Walsh and then Jorge Ocampo but both pulled out, leaving the Scot without an opponent for Saturday's show at the Excel in London.

Ready to rumble: Adrien Broner claims he wanted to fight Ricky Burns with just two days notice

Ready to rumble: Adrien Broner claims he wanted to fight Ricky Burns with just two days notice

But Broner, who won the WBC belt against Antonio DeMarco last month and is regarded by many as boxing's successor to Floyd Mayweather Jnr, claims he would fly to London to take on the Scot.

'I found out, Burns doesn't have an opponent so I told them: “Fly me out today, I will make weight and I will beat that guy”,' he told ES News.

Broner previously replaced Burns as the WBO super-featherweight champion before failing to make weight for his defence against Vicente Escobedo in July.

The 23-year-old has long claimed that Burns vacated rather than face the rising star of American boxing but Burns insists he gave up the title as he could no longer comfortably make the weight.

He subsequently won the interim version of his current belt by beating Michael Katsidis at Wembley Arena last November before successful defences against Paulus Moses and British rival Kevin Mitchell.

Burns' original opponent for his third defence, unbeaten Walsh, was ruled out after being involved in a car crash before Filipino southpaw Ocampo withdrew at the last minute over contractual issues.

Burns turned down a 10-round exhibition bout and is instead expected to return to action on January 26 in Glasgow while Broner is being lined up to co-feature alongside Johnathan Banks' rematch with Seth Mitchell the following month.

Without an opponent: Ricky Burns was due to headline Saturday's bill in London

Without an opponent: Ricky Burns was due to headline Saturday's bill in London

But, assuming the American does not make the unlikely last-minute dash across the Atlantic, Burns could meet Broner as early as February, according to Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer.

'I am trying to do the Burns fight [with Broner,]' he told ESPN. '[I'll be] talking again with [Burns' promoter] Frank Warren. I am going to try and convince him to go directly to Broner for February 16.'

Burns' trainer Billy Nelson meanwhile believes Burns would relish the chance to unify the division.

'If a unification fight can be made up at lightweight, we’d snap their hands off,' he said last month. 'That’s the fight we want, trust me. Broner has an act but acts don’t hurt you. Words don’t hurt you.

'Punches hurt you, as Broner will discover if ever he gets inside a ring with Ricky. Whatever happens, I don’t think we’ll be watching anything Ricky will lose sleep over. Neither could cope with his range, speed or body shots.

'He’ll get the fright of his life when he sees the size of Ricky then has to cope with his industry, speed and strength.'

Ricky Burns to face Jose Ocampo

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Ocampo lined up for Burns night! Filipino in for injured Walsh to take on champion Ricky

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UPDATED:

12:26 GMT, 29 November 2012

Ricky Burns will face Jose Ocampo in his latest world title defence after the Filipino was drafted in as replacement for the injured Liam Walsh.

Burns had been due to defend his WBO lightweight belt against Walsh next month until the Norfolk-based fighter hurt his back in a road accident.

Ocampo, rated 14 in the world by the WBO, will now face Burns at London's ExCeL on December 15.

Great Scot: Ricky Burns (right) celebrates his victory over Kevin Mitchell

Great Scot: Ricky Burns (right) celebrates his victory over Kevin Mitchell

The 23-year-old challenger has suffered five defeats, but most of them came in his teenage years, and 12 of his 17 victories have come inside the distance.

Should he win, Burns has been lined up for a unification fight with unbeaten American Adrien Broner, who added to his growing reputation by securing the WBC lightweight title this month.

The Scot, who swept aside Kevin Mitchell in four rounds in September, said: 'I'd say that this is going to be the hardest fight of my career so far against a young hungry challenger who will be looking to take my title.

Too good: Scot Burns beat Mitchell in four rounds in Glasgow

Too good: Scot Burns beat Mitchell in four rounds in Glasgow

'Filipino fighters are as tough as they come, just look at (Manny) Pacquiao and Nonito Donnaire, like the Mexicans and Africans they come to have a fight and Ocampo will do just that.

'If he fights like those two, as people say he does, then I'll be in for a tough night.

'It's unfortunate that Walsh had an accident and had to pull out of our fight, but I'm a world champion and I have to deal with these changes and I'm confident I'll deal with Ocampo.'

Bad luck: Liam Walsh (left) was forced to pull out of his fight with Burns

Bad luck: Liam Walsh (left) was forced to pull out of his fight with Burns

Promoter Frank Warren added: 'It's going to be hard for Ricky, he's been training to face Walsh and in an ideal world he would have had more time to prepare for the different style that Ocampo will bring.

'He can't afford to slip up, though, we are virtually there with the fight against Broner for next year and that will only happen if he comes through against Ocampo.'

Ricky Burns to defend world title against Liam Walsh in London

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Burns to defend world title against unbeaten Walsh in London

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UPDATED:

12:28 GMT, 23 October 2012

Ricky Burns faces another world title
challenge from an Englishman after European lightweight champion Liam
Walsh was named as his next opponent – with a unification fight against
Adrien Broner on offer for the winner.

Scotland's WBO lightweight champion,
who was on top form as he stopped Kevin Mitchell in four rounds last
month, will face the unbeaten Walsh at London's Excel on December 15.

Unbeaten: Ricky Burns

Top man: WBO lightweight champion Ricky Burns

Promoter Frank Warren has lined up a glamour contest against unbeaten American WBC champion Broner for whoever comes out on top.

Walsh stepped up to lightweight in July when he stopped Domenico Urbano in the eighth round at Upton Park to claim the European belt.

The 26-year-old has stopped his opponent in 10 of 13 professional fights, including his memorable Commonwealth super-featherweight title win over Scot Paul Appleby, who was pulled out ahead of the 10th round.

Burns, who has won all seven of his world title fights over two weights, said: 'Walsh is a good strong fighter, he's unbeaten and this is his big chance to win the world title.

'I was ringside when he fought Appleby and he showed tremendous heart and strength to come through when he was deep in trouble.

'I'll be in the best shape possible and will leave nothing to chance for this one.'

The 29-year-old Coatbridge fighter added: 'The big motivator is a showdown with Broner, who I was accused of avoiding last year.

Impressive: Burns stopped Mitchell in four rounds

Impressive: Burns stopped Mitchell in four rounds

'Since moving up to lightweight and winning the world title my stock and profile has increased and now that it's a unification fight it's a much bigger fight than before.'

Walsh felt a date with Burns was his destiny and has already been preparing to cause an upset.

'To fight for the world title is my dream and I'm going to cause a big upset on December 15 at the Excel when I take the crown from Burns,' he said.

'It's always been on my mind that I would fight him one day and it's now here.

'He's a great champion, I've studied and watched him throughout his career and I know I've got the tools to beat him.

'He's looked great in the last few years and he did a stunning job on Mitchell.

'He's in the prime of his career now so when I beat him people will know that I've beaten the best.'

The bill also features Commonwealth super-middleweight champion George Groves against Glen Johnson and Billy Joe Saunders defending his Commonwealth middleweight title against Nick Blackwell.

Darren Barker v Kerry Hope on Lee Purdy v Carson Jones December 8 undercard

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London return for Barker against Hope on Purdy-Jones undercard in December

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UPDATED:

12:32 GMT, 22 October 2012

Darren Barker will hope to put an injury-plagued year behind him when he tackles Kerry Hope in a battle of the former European middleweight champions in London on December 8.

After undergoing hip surgery following his defeat to Sergio Martinez over 12 months ago, he tore tendons in his arm just weeks before his scheduled return against Simone Rotolo last month.

But Barker will finally feature at the Olympia on the same bill as Lee Purdy's clash with Carson Jones and British lightweight champion Gavin Rees' potential fight against forgotten man John Murray.

Christmas cracker: Darren Barker will fight Kerry Hope at London's Olympia on December 8

Christmas cracker: Darren Barker will fight Kerry Hope at London's Olympia on December 8

Welshman Hope won and lost the European title against Grzegorz Proska in four months earlier this year.

Rees, meanwhile, added the British strap to his European belt when he beat Derry Matthews in July while Murray has been in the wilderness since losing to an overweight Brandon Rios last December, which followed defeat to Kevin Mitchell.

Terms have been agreed for that fight but it is subject to confirmation.