Moran: I'll make a mark on Booth!
Published April 15, 2009 by Martin Bean
Jason Booth and Mark Moran will now share a ring instead of a dressing room next week when they contest the vacant British super-bantamweight title. Their 12 rounder takes place at Leigh Indoor Sports Centre on Friday April 17 and will be televised live by the Real home of boxing, Sky Sports.
Southpaw Moran (11-0-1) was heading the bill in a showdown with British super-bantamweight champion Matthew Marsh. Unfortunately Marsh can no longer make the 8st 10lb weight limit and relinquished his title earlier this week. Nottingham's '2 Smooth' Booth (31-5) had been due to challenge Lee Haskins for the British super-flyweight title on the same card, but the Bristol boxer suffered a hand injury.
It looked as though their weeks of training were wasted, but a title fight has been hurriedly sanctioned after Marsh stood down. Promoter Frank Maloney said: "Whatever the outcome Jason and Mark are a credit to boxing, by agreeing to face each other at such short notice for a major title. Of course, both were fit and raring to go, but now have to prepare for a different style of fighter at such short notice. They were going to share the challengers' dressing room, but now they will be swapping punches instead''.
"My heart stopped when both fights collapsed inside a few hours at last weekend. I was on holiday in Portugal and rushed home. If the fight is as good as it promises to be then it will have been worth all the problems."
Moran, who has earned the nickname 'Sparko Marko', can't wait to tackle 31-year-old Booth who currently holds the Commonwealth bantamweight title. Liverpool's Moran, 27, said: "I'm in good shape as anyone can see and I can't wait for the first bell. My training is going great and my weight is fine. I'm just sharpening up with some good sparring. I'm very confident of bringing the belt home."
Moran was a top class amateur winning two junior ABA titles, a senior title in 2001 and a Commonwealth Games Bronze Medal year later. Moran's co-promoter Steve Wood said: "Mark was a top class amateur and is rapidly developing into a very good professional. His punch power is getting better and I believe he will beat Mark, go and dominate at domestic level before moving on to the world stage."
Booth will be bidding for his second British title having won the British title almost a decade ago. Other fighters in action include St Helens Prizefighter winner and leading British middleweight title contender Martin Murray (13-0) and former British bantamweight champion Martin Power (19-4).
Tickets for '2 Titles' are available for £35 and £70 ringside from 0871 226 1508 or www.frankmaloney.com. ftm.maloney@gmail.com.
There are currently 0 comments on this article.