Josh Warrington to face Martin Lindsay in Commonwealth defence
Josh Warrington will defend his Commonwealth Featherweight title against Martin Lindsay at the First Direct Arena in Leeds on Wednesday May 17.
Warrington makes the second defense of his title after his impressive win over Rendall Munroe in Manchester earlier this month, and the 23 year old faces another stern test for the belt in the shape of Belfast’s Lindsay, the former British champion who is back for a second crack at the title after tackling Welshman Lee Selby for the belt in February 2013.
“This is a real pick ’em fight between two top Featherweights,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Both are all action fighters and the Leeds fight fans can expect a cracking domestic dust up.”
Warrington’s clash with Lindsay is part of a great night of action in Leeds as Stephen Smith faces Fernando David Saucedo for the Argentinian’s WBC Silver Featherweight title in a crunch eliminator bout, Gavin McDonnell defends the British Super Bantamweight title against Josh Wale and there’s a return to action for Hull’s Tommy Coyle after his epic win over Daniel Brizuela.
Limond and Woodhouse set for Glasgow clash
Willie Limond will defend his Commonwealth Light Welterweight title against British champion Curtis Woodhouse on a huge night of boxing headlined by Ricky Burns at the Braehead Arena in Glasgow on Friday June 27.
Limond welcomes Woodhouse into his backyard with both titles on the line for the evergreen duo, who claimed their titles in style.
Limond landed the Commonwealth crown in January 2013 with a first round KO triumph over Eddie Doyle in Glasgow and made his first defence in the city in June with a points win over Mitch Prince.
Woodhouse found himself in the last chance saloon in February when he challenged Darren Hamilton for the British belt in Hull, but the former Birmingham City footballer pulled off the biggest win of his career to rip the title from Hamilton on a split-decision.
For Limond, it’s a third tilt at landing the coveted Lord Lonsdale belt having fallen short in clashes with Alex Arthur and Anthony Crolla, and the 35 year old says he’ll be doing everything he can to make it third time lucky.
“I’m thrilled to be getting the opportunity to fight for the British title again,” said Limond. “I have boxed poorly in my first two attempts and lost to the better men in Alex and Anthony, but I didn’t turn up on either occasion and failed to do myself justice. I feel like I have something to prove and I will train like an animal to get into the best shape possible for June 27.
“I don’t know Curtis personally, but I like the way he goes about his business. He’s completely dedicated and he comes to fight, and that means this is going to be a great night for the fans.
“Since all the rumours have started about Curtis and me fighting I have had so many requests for tickets – I think I could sell 1,000 just from my front door. It’s going to be a fantastic atmosphere in Glasgow and we’ll serve up a fight that those watching will love.”
Woodhouse was set to retire after his win over Hamilton, but the 34 year old gets the chance to add the Commonwealth title to his British belt, and believes he will handle the hometown fans in June.
“It’s a real honour to be going to Scotland to put my British title on the line against Willie and challenge for his Commonwealth crown,” said Woodhouse.
“Willie is a fighter who I have a lot of respect for. He’s been there, seen it and done it, and I hope to give the Scottish fans a night they won’t forget. The fans up there always really get behind their own fighters but by the end of the fight I hope to earn their respect.
“This is a proper 50/50 fight. Willie and I deserve respect for putting both our belts on the line; its winner takes all and may the best man win!”
“I’m over the moon to make this fight for our big Glasgow show on June 27,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Many witnessed Curtis’ Cinderella story when he captured the British title in Hull and now he has the chance to add the Commonwealth strap to his trophy cabinet but he has a tough ask in Willie Limond’s back yard.”
