Defeat won't end Maxi Hughes' title dream

Martin J Ward celebrates victory over Maxi Hughes during the British Super-featherweight Championship bout at Manchester Arena.Martin J Ward celebrates victory over Maxi Hughes during the British Super-featherweight Championship bout at Manchester Arena.
Martin J Ward celebrates victory over Maxi Hughes during the British Super-featherweight Championship bout at Manchester Arena.
Maxi Hughes is refusing to give up on his dream of winning a British title despite falling short in his maiden bid for the crown.

The Rossington fighter lost the third of his trilogy with Martin J Ward, who put his British super featherweight title on the line in Manchester last weekend.

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Hughes impressed against his talented opponent but slipped out of contention in the later rounds as he faded.

The judges scored the fight 116-112, 118-111 and 116-113, condemning the 27-year-old to a third career defeat and second to Ward.

A South Yorkshire showdown with Barnsley’s reigning English super featherweight champion Andy Townend has long been mooted for Hughes.

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Mexborough-trained Townend himself was beaten by Ward last September as he challenged for the British title.

Meanwhile, Conisbrough heavyweight David Allen will compete in a six round fight on April 22 in Liverpool on the undercard of Martin Murray’s clash with Gabriel Rosado.

Victory and a comfortable night is likely to set up a title fight with Ian Lewison at Bramall Lane in Sheffield on May 27, the night when Kell Brook will defend his IBF welterweight title against Errol Spence Jnr.

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The ‘White Rhino’ has already engaged in a social media battle with Lewison and he hopes to use the planned showdown as a springboard to a British title fight later in the year.

Allen told Sky Sports: “I’m touring the country, bringing excitement in all different facets of boxing.

“I’m knocking out European tradesman and the people are loving it.

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“I want to keep that going in Liverpool with another big KO, then I will call out some big names for Sheffield in proper ‘White Rhino’ fashion.”

Woodlands featherweight Jason Cunningham is out to become a two weight champion when he faces Ben Jones for the vacant Commonwealth title on April 9 in London.

Cunningham is a former English and Commonwealth champion at bantamweight and stepped up to featherweight in his last bout.