BEST FOOT FORWARD? WEARSIDE ACE HOPES SO!
SUNDERLAND STAR WILL WARM UP FOR IBF TITLE CHALLENGE WITH BOUT IN HARTLEPOOL
Glenn Foot will have a warmup fight in Hartlepool ahead of his big title derby with Josh Leather.
The Sunderland fighter challenges the unbeaten Guisborough lightwelterweight for the IBF European championship on Saturday, November 11, in Newcastle.
It had been scheduled for October, only to be put back a fortnight to avoid clashing with Anthony Joshua’s world heavyweight title defence against Bulgaria’s Kubrat Pulev.
With two months to go ahead of the showdown with Leather, Foot will tune up at Hartlepool’s Borough Hall on Saturday, September 30.
No opponent has been finalised yet for the four or six rounder for the 29-yearold but manager Phil Jeffries says it’s a vital night for the Marley Pots crowd favourite.
“Glenn needs a work-out and this show is the perfect place for it,” said Jeffries.
“The IBF title fight is going to be a huge night for North East boxing, but especially for Footy.
“It’s his last chance and it’s one he must win.
“But anyone thinking Leather is nailed on had better think again.
“Glenn is up for it and [coach] Dave Binns says he’s looking good in training.
“He’ll go to the Metro Radio Arena with plenty of support and he’s going there to win.
“It’s a great title and a fantastic opportunity for him – if he wins he’s up there in the IBF ratings and he has the incentive of a promotional deal with Frank Warren.
“The opportunities are endless but the bottom line is that he is a fighting man who loves fighting and loves winning.
“He’s got to win this one and I’m confident you will see him go there and have a real go.”
Foot has not boxed since the shock defeat in the maiden defence of his English light-welterweight title at the Summer Rumble in July.
The majority points decision at the Stadium of Light against Akeem Brown was only the second loss of his professional career.
“He won’t be dwelling on that,” added Jeffries. “He can’t wait to get in against Leather, not that he’s taking Hartlepoo for granted .
“He knows this is a vital fight for and one he must win before he can focus on Josh.
“Footy has boxed at the Borough Hall before as an amateur and pro and loves the atmosphere.”
Foot’s appearance in Hartlepool is on the undercard of Martin Ward’s challenge for the European super-bantamweight title.
Ward, trained in Hartlepool by Neil Fannan, is looking to wrest the belt away from the Spanish holder, Abigail Medina.
The 28-year-old, from West Rainton, who is a former Commonwealth champion, is the elder brother of current British champ,. Tommy.
“The Wards are looking to be kings of Britain and Europe at the same time and it’s a privilege to be involved in what will hopefully be an historic nihht for boxiong,” added Jeffries.
For tickets, call Phil on 07747611020.