Rees out of Coyle fight, John Simpson steps in to replace

[thewarcap]

http://www.livefight.com/news.php?news_ ... =2013&m=10

Gavin Rees 37-3-1 (18 KOs) has pulled out of his Nov 2 lightweight clash against Tommy Coyle 16-2 (6 KOs) at the Hull Arena after sustaining an elbow injury that will likely keep him out till 2014.

The injury, which may need another operation after having one in the summer, although nothing is confirmed, means Rees will be replaced by Scotland’s John Simpson 25-9 (11 KOs) who is stepping up to 135lbs for the first time in his professional career in what will be a title contest against Coyle.

Simpson, 30, had been linked to a bout against Scotty Cardle later in the year and was interested in meeting Anthony Crolla but this unexpected opportunity is something that the British and Commonwealth Featherweight champion has jumped at.

Coyle, despite being knocked out in the tenth round of his last fight against the evergreen Derry Mathews still put in a career best performance and will be looking to do something similar against the never say die Simpson.

Last time out, Simpson went to the wire against Choi Tseveenpurev over 12 rounds in an eye catching contest that could have went either way. Simpson, one of boxing Duracell bunnies has been longing for consistent high profile fights and a win against Coyle would see him gatecrash a bubbling lightweight scene in the UK that already features countryman and friend, Ricky Burns who holds the WBO world strap.

Coyle vs. Simpson along with Commonwealth heavyweight title eliminator Lucas Browne vs. Richard Towers and the return of the ‘Troll Hunter’ Curtis Woodhouse as well as hometown Olympian Luke Campbell will be shown live on Sky Sports.

Tickets are on sale now priced at £30, £40, £60 and £100, with VIP tickets priced at £150 – all tickets are available from Matchroom Sport at matchroomboxing.com and on 01277 359900.

Later that night, live on Sky Sports, attention will be turned to the Madison Square Garden Theatre in New York as middleweight mauler Gennady Golovkin goes up against Curtis Stevens in the American’s back yard in the eighth defence of his WBA world middleweight title. A contest that is shaping up to produce some November fireworks!

[milpool]

Good replacement and arguably a better fight. Looking forward to going.

[Barmyarmy]

John Simpson is made out of steel! Warrior!

[jameswilson]

I bet Columbo is on the phone to the police as we speak trying to get Eddie Hearn arrested for this outrage.

[Andrew]

Tommy should be too big for him but I do like John Simpson a very solid Super Feather and Featherweight domestically will come for a fight.

[Alba]

As much as i think the weight wont work in his favour, he knows his body and been around long enough to know what hes doing, this would certainly open a few doors for him if he wins

Good luck Simmy

[ShadrachSimmo]

Good fight but I do feel that 135 is too big for Simpson. He's been impressive at super feather and he'd be better looking for a shot at a title at that weight.

Should be a decent tilt.

[daviddee]

I'm really shocked at this. John wanted to fight at feather must be a big pay day..

[maninthemiddle]

What title is on the line??

[bigped]

I'm really shocked at this. John wanted to fight at feather must be a big pay day..

prob offered really good money mate few weeks before xmas hard to turn down sometimes.