Fifteen days into the new year and while the rest of the boxing world waits with baited breath for the elusive Mayweather vs. Pacquiao fight to be signed there are small tremors in South Wales that hope to re-ignite the Welsh boxing scene.
After successfully being awarded the chance to host the 2013 WBC convention, Cardiff has began it’s campaign to bring boxing back to the capital which over the years has hosted legendary fighters such as Frank Bruno, Lennox Lewis, Joe Calzaghe and Naseem Hamed. We are lucky that we still have one young, hungry world champion left in the form of Light-Heavyweight Nathan Cleverly. Nathan is a great ambassador for the sport having obtained a version of the world title at just 24 years old and also boasting a degree in Mathematics. It is fitting therefore that after six years of absence he has chosen to fight and defend his title in Cardiff. Regrettably it is not a super unification fight against the likes of WBC champion Bernard Hopkins or Beibut Shumenov however his opponent twice beaten Tom Karpency should at least provide a chance for Cleverly to put on a show for the home fans.
Chief support to Nathan is British and Commonwealth featherweight champion, Cardiff boy Lee Selby who won his titles back in September with a dominating performance over the favoured Stephen Smith. Lee is hoping to explode into the sights of mainstream boxing fans with an impressive performance in the 5000 seater arena. As chief support to the home town hero this should be the ideal platform for him to do so. Light Heavyweight rival Enzo Maccarinelli will also feature on the bill as he looks to make a case for a show down with Cleverly.
As if that wasn’t enough, as part of the national St. David’s day celebrations Cardiff has announced that it will be putting on a professional boxing show aptly named Night of the Dragon. This exciting fight night will feature three Welsh title fights including undefeated Ricky Owen against the supremely gutsy Robbie Turley for the Welsh Super-Bantamweight title and Middleweight prospect Kerry Hope fighting for the Welsh title against Gary Cooper. The under card will feature all Welsh talent in a bid to help re-establish ourselves as a force in the boxing world which has been lacking since the retirement of all time great Welshman Joe Calzaghe.
For those wishing to attend either fight we have been lucky enough to obtain an exclusive deal on VIP tickets. Anyone buying a Nathan Cleverly VIP ticket (for as little as £99) will receive a 10% discount on any ticket for the Night of the Dragon show (tickets starting from £20). VIP tickets include buffet/drinks on arrival and access to all boxers at official after show party! Call 02920 234 567 and ask for Kev
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