FTM Press Release
Posted: 04 Nov 2008, 06:20
FTM PRESS RELEASE
ANDY BELL has pleaded for a crack at the EBU flyweight title despite not being in their rankings.
The all-action Nottingham slugger has been campaigning at super-flyweight and risks his British title against Bristol's Lee Haskins (17-2) at Robin Park Arena, Wigan on Friday November 7.
Bell, 23, moved up to super-flyweight because he was struggling to get work in the eight stone division.
Currently the EBU do not recognise the super-flyweight division meaning Andy's continental opportunities are extremely limited.
Promoter Frank Maloney has contacted the EBU head office in Rome explaining the dilemma and hopes his man can box the winner of next month's vacant title fight between Ivan Pozo and Christophe Rodrigues.
He said: "I dare say the EBU will recognise the super-flyweight division in the near future, but this is a problem for Andy right now.
"We are speaking with the EBU about the situation and I hope they understand his position. He is a natural flyweight, but had to step up.
"I get on well with the EBU and I hope that commonsense will prevail in this matter."
Maloney realises that Bell (11-3) cannot look too far ahead and warned the boxer to expect a tough time from southpaw Haskins.
He added: "It wasn't too long ago that Haskins was being spoken of as a future world champion by his handlers.
"He is an awkward southpaw and there have even been comparisons with Naseem Hamed. This is a pick 'em fight."
Other stars on the Sky Sports televised show include Mark Moran who defends his English super-bantamweight title, Mark Thompson, Tony Quigley, Thomas McDonagh and Akaash Bhatia. Tickets can be purchased by calling 0871 226 1508 or by logging on to www.frankmaloney.
ANDY BELL has pleaded for a crack at the EBU flyweight title despite not being in their rankings.
The all-action Nottingham slugger has been campaigning at super-flyweight and risks his British title against Bristol's Lee Haskins (17-2) at Robin Park Arena, Wigan on Friday November 7.
Bell, 23, moved up to super-flyweight because he was struggling to get work in the eight stone division.
Currently the EBU do not recognise the super-flyweight division meaning Andy's continental opportunities are extremely limited.
Promoter Frank Maloney has contacted the EBU head office in Rome explaining the dilemma and hopes his man can box the winner of next month's vacant title fight between Ivan Pozo and Christophe Rodrigues.
He said: "I dare say the EBU will recognise the super-flyweight division in the near future, but this is a problem for Andy right now.
"We are speaking with the EBU about the situation and I hope they understand his position. He is a natural flyweight, but had to step up.
"I get on well with the EBU and I hope that commonsense will prevail in this matter."
Maloney realises that Bell (11-3) cannot look too far ahead and warned the boxer to expect a tough time from southpaw Haskins.
He added: "It wasn't too long ago that Haskins was being spoken of as a future world champion by his handlers.
"He is an awkward southpaw and there have even been comparisons with Naseem Hamed. This is a pick 'em fight."
Other stars on the Sky Sports televised show include Mark Moran who defends his English super-bantamweight title, Mark Thompson, Tony Quigley, Thomas McDonagh and Akaash Bhatia. Tickets can be purchased by calling 0871 226 1508 or by logging on to www.frankmaloney.
