BoxRec

Mark Hobson puts his British and Commonwealth cruiserweight titles on the line against Liverpool's Tony Moran next month in Huddersfield, knowing a good performance could net him a crack at the IBO crown held by Carl Thompson.
The Manchester fighter regained the belt in nine sensational rounds against Sebastian Rothmann in Sheffield on Friday.
Hobson's trainer Chris Aston and manager Tommy Gilmour were both present, and Gilmour's contacts have helped set up a potential Hobson-Thompson showdown - as long as Hobson can prove his title credentials.
"The IBO have the strictest ratings system of any of the worldwide organisations," explained Aston, "so a good display against Moran would put Mark in the right kind of position for an IBO championship bid."
Part of the deal could be - if Hobson can beat Thompson - for Hobson to defend against Rothmann in South Africa. The South African beat Hobson in a WBU title clash in Liverpool in 2001, but the ninth-round defeat proved a defining moment for the Huddersfield man, who picked the positives from his painful experience and hasn't looked back.

Thompson vs Hobson is an interesting fight... Hobson is far freasher and would probably be favourite but I'd back Thompson to win... he's still got the punch and he'd be too strong for Hobson.... though having said this any fight is dangerous for Carl now as his legs and reflexes don't seem too good and I'd like to see him get out soon rather than be defeated by someone who a few years ago wouldn't have touched him.... theres never been a bigger hearted fighter!...