BoxRec

Esham Pickering has been handed a surprise European title chance. The Newark switch-hitter will challenge Oleg Yefimovych for the European featherweight title in Donetsk, Ukraine on Saturday 3 October.

The 27-year-old Yefimovych, 16-1 (10), who will be making the third defence of his crown, was due to defend against Paul Appleby but following the Scot’s injury withdrawal Pickering has been drafted in at short notice.

I don't give Pickering much of a chance, but good luck to him.

http://britishboxing.wordpress.com/2009 ... pickering/

Yeah good luck to him.

He was down to fight last night so must have been in training

Good luck to him it'll be a tough fight for him

Would like to see him win it. Am told that Pickering v Hunter II will almost certainly happen if Hunter dusts Booth.

is there no better talent coming through than that (to challenge for the BT), to my knowledge Pickering hasn't done anything for ages, possibly since his rematch win over Hughes, but was hardly scintillating in that one.
I expect Hunter to be fresh enough still to put Booth away, although it could go to points.

Esham is truly one of the best lads I have met in boxing - couldn't meet a nicer fella - however nice doesnt win fights and this is a tough one.

Good luck to him- however, this does seem to be a clear example of a boxer with a credible record (former European and world title challenger etc) who lacks current form being brought in as a very "beatable" opponent.

Unfortunatly match ups like these do little to add to the credibility of the European title.

boxrec wrote:pickering stand any chance in the ukraine..?

It think it's just a question of if he can find a big punch.

however, it's worth pointing out that Oleg Yefimovych's last two European title opponents had both LOST their last two fights coming into the title fight with Oleg--- which suggests that they may be somewhat "hand picked" , which in turn suggests Oleg must just be a little fragile...

Good luck Esham!

esham does not know why appleby pulled out..anyone any idea?

According to the BBBofC website Appleby is injured.

http://www.bbbofc.com/notices.php

Appleby needed learning fights anyway, before being pitched in over his head. again.

whicker wrote:Good luck to him- however, this does seem to be a clear example of a boxer with a credible record (former European and world title challenger etc) who lacks current form being brought in as a very "beatable" opponent.

Unfortunatly match ups like these do little to add to the credibility of the European title.

Agreed.

Never mind all the "good luck, Esham" posts (although of course I wish him that too) - the point should be HOW did he get this shot?? If it were anyone else but one of "our boys", we'd be decrying a boxer of his recent form getting an EBU shot.

oliverfennell wrote:

whicker wrote:Good luck to him- however, this does seem to be a clear example of a boxer with a credible record (former European and world title challenger etc) who lacks current form being brought in as a very "beatable" opponent.

Unfortunatly match ups like these do little to add to the credibility of the European title.

Agreed.

Never mind all the "good luck, Esham" posts (although of course I wish him that too) - the point should be HOW did he get this shot?? If it were anyone else but one of "our boys", we'd be decrying a boxer of his recent form getting an EBU shot.

indeed shes had a bad run of form lately dunno how he pulled his off good luck to him though

I'd have thought being AVAILABLE and ON WEIGHT, would seriously reduce the amount of possible contenders.

Good luck Esham. Hope you're being well paid.

Good luck, Esham. You deserve this -so many good fights for you have fallen throguh over the years.I hope you get paid well and box to your best abuility.

oliverfennell wrote:

whicker wrote:Good luck to him- however, this does seem to be a clear example of a boxer with a credible record (former European and world title challenger etc) who lacks current form being brought in as a very "beatable" opponent.

Unfortunatly match ups like these do little to add to the credibility of the European title.

Agreed.

Never mind all the "good luck, Esham" posts (although of course I wish him that too) - the point should be HOW did he get this shot?? If it were anyone else but one of "our boys", we'd be decrying a boxer of his recent form getting an EBU shot.

check out the last two opponents Oleg has faced for the title, too.


This guy http://www.boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?hu ... &cat=boxer Simply a joke that he was give a challenge for the European title.

This guy- http://www.boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?hu ... &cat=boxer is no better.

Seems that the European board are happy to allow challengers who have lost recent challenges for their national titles. Makes the concept of a "European Champion" and utter farce.

Counter-puncher wrote:Appleby needed learning fights anyway, before being pitched in over his head. again.

Ye he wasnt ready for a Euro title shot I think he needs a few more fights before challenging Lindsay again and then move on I think he is a very exciting prospect but I dont want to see him being rushed as I think he could go all the way

Agree about Appleby- someone who has just lost his domestic title shouldn't be fighting for the continental title.

I know boxing isn't always "linear" but in this case it makes good sense.

That said, Oleg , from his record, does look beatable- Appleby may have had a real chance.

Good luck to him, but sorry if this was not a British fighter we would be very critical of this match. Esham has hardly won are round against 2 poor(ish) British champions in his last 2 fights.

Hope he proves me wrong, but I think its going to be another heavy loss. I want to see him retired now.

As for Hunter 2 if he beats Booth.... all I can ask is Why? Hunter won the first fight, and by beating Booth he would have shown he is on that level as he was all that time ago... Esham isn't.