ROTHERHAM boxing trainer Dave Coldwell has joined world champion David Haye's corner – who in turn have signed a five-year deal with Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions outfit.
And that is tremendous news, in particular, for unbeaten Barnsley novice Josh Wale, who has been asked to go over and spar with Golden Boy World Champions Israel Vasquez and Johnny Gonzales on a regular basis.
He will also have the opportunity to box on Golden Boy shows in the USA.
Yesterday, Hayemaker Promotions committed to a new Setanta TV series of fights, which could see the like of British champion Ryan Rhodes and Wale, boxing regularly at London's 02 Arena.
Cruiserweight king Haye – who wants to challenge Vladimir Klitschko for a world heavyweight title next year – is the main focus of a four-fight televised deal which runs from September 1 to December 31 2009.
The broadcaster says that as well as Haye, undercard fights involving men like the South Yorkshire boxers will get air-time. This could be a significant coup for Coldwell fighters, which include Kell Brook, of Hillsborough, and ex-footballer Curtis Woodhouse.
Meanwhile, Stuart Brookes – whose brother Scott died in a tragic road crash – has pulled out of a return to boxing next month.
Stuart's name has appeared on a bill promoting a Fight Academy show at Don Valley stadium on June 21.
But trainer Richard Poxon said that Mexborough's Stuart, who had a close relationship with Scott, was not in a proper state to commit to the fight.
Scott died in April after a collision with a taxi in Swinton
The show will be headlined by Sheffield-based Paul David who takes on Liverpool's Tony Dodson. Stannington ticket-seller Billy Boyle is also on the card, along with Sheffield pair Jon Ibbotson and Nicki Smedley and Chesterfield cruiser Mark Krence.
Former world featherweight champion Scott Harrison was behind bars last night after appearing in court on assault charges. Harrison, 30, was remanded in custody after an application for bail was refused at Glasgow Sheriff Court. He denied five charges including three alleged assaults and an alleged breach of the peace at his Cambuslang home.
What do you think? Post your comments below. READ MORE Football headlinesMore BladesMore OwlsMore SpireitesMore RoversMore RedsMore MillersMore Ice HockeyMore rugby leagueMore rugby unionMore boxingSports columnistsAll sport categoriesThe full article contains 406 words and appears in Sheffield Star newspaper.
