Browse Sections

• Local football
• Local cricket

Boxing sensation set for second bout

4/12/2002

BOXING sensation Matthew Hall will have his second professional fight, at the Telewest Arena, in Newcastle, a week on Saturday.

Hall will be part of promoter Frank Warren's blockbuster end of the year special. Top of the bill is Alex Arthur, the Scottish wonder boy who will defend his British super-featherweight title against Carl Greaves.

Ricky Hatton will defend his world WBU light-welterweight title against Brazilian Antonio Mesquita, and Welshman Joe Calzaghe will defend his WBO super-middleweight crown against American Thomas Tate. But those big bouts could well be overshadowed by the young lad from Langley, and his club-mate David Barnes who is also on the bill.

Hall and Barnes are rated as the best two prospects in Britain. Both fight out of the Collyhurst and Moston stable, and chief coach Brian Hughes said: "Matthew can punch, and he is tough. He has to learn to box, and to pace his fights, but this will come with time and experience. I am in no hurry, and Matthew will be allowed to develop at his own pace.

"I honestly believe that Middleton now has the hero the town has been searching for in the past few years. Only time will tell if Matthew can make it to the top of the boxing ladder. I know there are doubters who feel Matthew is too small, but we have to, and can make his size work in his favour.

"He listens, and learns, and he is improving all the time. The development of a young prospect like Matthew takes time. Promoters, and a great number of boxing followers demand instant success, but that is just not possible. Success has to be worked for, earned, and achieved through hard work, and patience."

Hall will also be in action at Preston Guild Hall on 18 January.