Warren excited by title chances
Frank Warren is ready to crown two new world champions after Kevin Mitchell and Nathan Cleverly emphasised their title credentials in style.
Barely a month after losing Amir Khan to Golden Boy Promotions in the United States, Warren watched in delight as several of his emerging prospects did the business at Wembley Arena in London.
Maths undergraduate Cleverly seized the European light-heavyweight belt with a superb fifth-round stoppage win over Antonio Brancalion, while east Londoner Mitchell looks to have set up a WBO lightweight title shot with an emphatic second-round knockout of Colombian Ignacio Mendoza.
Cleverly, still only 22, has set his sights on a world title tilt when he graduates in May. Mitchell, meanwhile, looks certain to square off with Australian brawler Michael Katsidis for the outright WBO belt.
After also seeing rookie stars James DeGale and Frankie Gavin impress in their sixth professional bouts, Warren admits he has reason to be cheerful.
The promoter said: "I've not been this excited about a stable of youngsters for a long time. I'm over the moon."
He continued: "It was a real big stepping stone.
"Kevin's next fight will be against Michael Katsidis for the WBO title. The WBO have given us 28 days to negotiate with Katsidis' promoter Golden Boy before it goes to purse bids.
"We're determined to bring the fight over here but even if we've got to go to the States, I've got the utmost faith in Kevin.
"Since he's come up a weight and been with (trainer) Jimmy Tibbs he's shown real maturity and again he showed it against Mendoza. There will be big things for him in the summer, hopefully we'll get the world title fight for the end of May or June and he gets the belt."
Date published :
15 Feb 2010 - 10:48:51
