Pat McLeod | September 19th, 2009
Les Sherrington and world champion Anthony Mundine after sparring in preparation for bouts they have coming up
WEEKEND EXTRA by Pat McLeod
BOXING: Les `Lock and Load' Sherrington has been locked in for the biggest fight of his career.
The 27-year-old world ranked super-middleweight will take on veteran Aussie champion Shannon Taylor on the Gold Coast on Friday, November 27.
"This is a massive step for Les," said local promoter Jamie Myer, who has guided Sherrington through a resurgence in his career.
"Les is ranked 14 in the WBA, Shannon is ninth in the IBF and this bout is for the WBF world super-middleweight crown.
"This fight will be a great gauge for Les (23-5), who has aspirations internationally.
"Shannon (49-7) has proved his credentials against some of the best over a long period and is still in great shape.
"The contracts are signed and sealed. This will be one of the best fights to be held on the Gold Coast. Les needs to win to prove that he is world class and Shannon needs to prove he still is world class."
Sherrington looked sensational in two recent secretive eight-round sparring sessions on the Gold Coast against world champion Anthony Mundine.
"Anthony has a fight coming up and was up here for a couple of days and wanted some low-key sparring."
Myer is also compiling a class undercard which will include another midget world title stoush.
The Gold Coast promoter was applauded and pilloried last year when he staged a clash between midgets Nazir 'Hammerhead' Kheir and Jamie 'The Giant' Fallon for an international Littleman Federation title.
Kheir won and is back to defend his title.
"The positive publicity out-weighed the negative 10 to one," said Myer.
"Nazir is a legitimate boxer and wants and deserves his chance to put his title on the line."
BOXING: Les Sherrington will warm up for his Shannon Taylor bout with a showdown with tough puncher Joel Burke in Townsville next Friday night.
Although Burke has a 14-17 record he has been in the ring with some handy performers including Danny Green and Sakio Bika.
Originally from Townsville, Sherrington is looking to prove he is a class above Burke.
And speaking of Green, the December 2 fistic explosion with Roy Jones Jnr may be happening in Sydney, but a spicy entree will be held on the Gold Coast.
Jones and Green will be travelling throughout Australia promoting the bout and will be on the Gold Coast on October 8 and 9.
Plans are for a sportsman's lunch with the pair as guest speakers and also an open training session at a boxing gym on the Coast.