Bryant v Betham fight on hold for now
If Pahiatua boxer Lance Bryant does end up fighting Monty Betham for the New Zealand cruiserweight title, then it will be next year.
Bryant beat Taranaki’s James Langton earlier this month to win the IBO Asia Pacific cruiserweight title and become the interim holder of the New Zealand title.
Langton was originally meant to fight Monty Betham for the two titles, but Betham pulled out with a neck injury and Bryant was the last-minute replacement.
If Betham is fit, then he will have to fight Bryant for the title, but if he is unable to fight again, he will relinquish the belt to Bryant.
Bryant’s trainer Mike Meehan said he’s still working on getting Bryant a fight for October, but didn’t have an update about the fight with Betham, who is is going to next month’s Rio Olympics as part of the Sky commentary team.
‘‘I’ve spoken to Monty and he’s busy with work commitments with Rio and that,’’ Meehan said. ‘‘He won’t be making a call on his boxing career until after.’’
Meehan said Betham is adamant he wants to fight, but it will depend on how he recovers.
At the time of the injury it was thought his boxing career could be in jeopardy.
‘‘With Monty I’m going to to talk to him again after he gets back from Rio and discuss if we do anything,’’ Meehan said. ‘‘Monty’s people are possibly looking putting something on in Auckland.
‘‘I don’t know if Monty will fight again. If he does fight again, it won’t be until next year.’’
As for the October fight, Meehan said he had put his feelers out, but hadn’t had any interest yet.
He is potentially trying to get a fight for August as well.
Bryant’s record is eight wins and three losses and he has been in top shape recently.