In September 2010, Frank Warren staged a show in Birmingham that showcased seven of the biggest names in British boxing. The event was covered by Matt Bozeat.
Nathan Cleverly v Karo Murad
Cleverly Age: 23 Record: 19-0 (9) Murat Age: 27 Record: 22-0 (13)
The outstanding performance of the night came from Cleverly, a few months after he gained a degree in Pure Mathematics. Cleverly battered the German Murad. Told to keep the fight long by cornerman Dean Powell after he took a few in the fourth, Cleverly, the British and Commonwealth champion from Cefn Forest, ignored him. Cleverly kept walking up to Murad and unloading power punches until the German couldn’t take any more. Murad shipped a lot of shots before referee Mark Nelson wouldn’t let him out for the 10th round.
Matthew Macklin v Shalva Jomardashvili
Macklin Age: 28 Record: 26-2 (18) Jomardshvili: Age 23 Record: 27-2-1 (19)
The plan had been to top the bill with local hero Matthew Macklin challenging Darren Baker for the British and European middleweight titles. Jomardashvili was strong, but no match for Macklin, who was trained for the fight by Freddie Roach. Macklin retired after a points win over Brian Rose in April 2016, taking his record to 35-6. Macklin today works as a commentator and pundit for Sky Sports.
Sam Sexton v Derek Chisora
Sexton Age: 26 13-1 (6) Chisora Age: 26 Record: 13-0 (8)
From Norwich, Sexton had twice beaten Martin Rogan in Belfast, jabbing his way to a clear win in the rematch after a controversial ending to their first fight. Thirteen years, two world-title challenges and three losses to Tyson Fury later, the 39-year-old Chisora is still fighting and something of a cult figure among British fans.
Kell Brook v Michael Jennings
Brook Age: 24 Record: 21-0 (14) Jennings Age: 33 Record: 36-2 (17)
Brook went on to win the IBF championship in August 2014, outpointing Shawn Porter on a deserved majority vote in Carson, California. Brook announced his retirement after settling with lengthy feud with Amir Khan by stopping him in six rounds last February, but at 37 years old, he doesn’t appear to have completely dismissed the idea of fighting again. Jennings didn’t box again and has gone on to become a successful trainer of both amateurs and professionals.
James DeGale v Carl Dilks
DeGale Age 24 Record: 7-0 (5) Dilks Age 26 Record: 14-2 (5)
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