Oakey set to do battle

By Kishan Nundloll

Frank Maloney officially announced the rematch between Tony Oakey and Peter Haymer for the British Light Heavyweight title. The fight will take place at the home of boxing at York Hall in Bethnal Green on February 1st. This should be an entertaining fight for the fans with both men having something to prove. Haymer has beaten the champion before in a controversial points decision three years ago and because of that defeat Oakey feels that he has some unfinished business with Haymer. The champion going as far to say that he ‘didn’t have to take this fight, this just shows what kind of champion I am ‘. Which in the boxing world is a refreshing quality to see in a champion.

There were better fights out there and Tony is now hitting his peak and getting European and World attention, but he cannot underestimate his opponent who has previously taken him the distance and won. Although his last two fights have seen an alarming dip in form the challenger from Kentish Town says that all his ‘personal problems’ are behind him. Speaking exclusively to Twodiceboxing.com Haymer insisted that he was ‘more focused than ever before’ and that in his last two fights he had ‘boxed pathetically’ and he was ‘burnt-out’ because of issues away from the ring.

Both men have impressive records having beaten some quality opposition, more recently in the case of Toney Oakey (24-2-1), it would take something very special on the part of Peter Haymer (17-4-1) to beat a champion in form and at the peak of his career looking to make the push into European and World level boxing. Already the name Clinton Woods has been talked about. Woods a good boxer has been in Boxing wilderness, even though he is a World champion he is a forgotten man. A fight with Oakey would be a real domestic cracker for the British public.

If Haymer is to stand any chance of beating Oakey he has to use his strengths and make sure he does not get caught up in a brutal war of punches. Tony has strength and speed and because of his previous defeat will try and send out a statement to the rest of the Light Heavyweights, that he has put the past behind him and is ready to move on. So an early knockout victory could be on the cards.

The under card to this fight has also attracted attention for different reasons. Firstly one of my fighters to look out for in 2008 Tony Salam is back in action and will be fighting the dangerous Courtney Fry, the winner of this fight could potentially fight the winner of he main event. Also the promising Akaash Bhatia and John McDermott will be on the card looking to impress as they try and make 2008 their year. There is also a debut for Laura Saperstein, a female Light Welterweight who has given up her job as a Corporate Lawyer to pursue a career in Boxing. Personally I see this as a publicity stunt and a business deal that has no reason to be in boxing. Boxing has enjoyed its biggest rise as a sport in years, and this stunt will only be detrimental to Boxing.