Warren's man says Swindon can be region's boxing capital

8:30am Saturday 10th January 2009

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SWINDON can become the focal point of professional boxing the West Country according to Frank Warren’s fight-hand man Dean Powell.

Speaking ahead of next month’s star-studded show at the Oasis which will be co-promoted by Swindon’s KM Promotions and Warren’s Sports Network, Powell admitted the town has the potential to be the heartbeat of boxing in this region.

Along with the emergence of local star professional Jamie Cox, Powell believes February’s show, which will be screened live on Sky Sports and sees a Commonwealth and British title fight come to Swindon, is the start of a big boxing boom in the town.

Nathan Cleverly’s second Commonwealth title defence against Michael Ghenga headlines the show which takes place on February 13 while British light-heavyweight champion Dean Francis is on the undercard.

The pair are due to meet later this year and Powell believes having big names like Cleverly and Francis coming to Swindon will really put the town on the map.

“It is great to be here in Swindon working with promoter Keith Mayo who has brought big time boxing back to the West Country,” said Powell.

“On behalf of Frank Warren’s Sports Network it is a great pleasure to be involved in this promotion.

“There is absolutely no reason why we can’t bring even bigger events here. It is a great catchment area here and it has not been exploited since the Ricky Porter days.

“I think Keith has done a really good job in the town and all of this could really put Swindon back on the map.

“Keith has to take a lot of credit for putting Swindon back in the spotlight.

“He’ll start attracting fighters from other parts of the world. I think where fighters used to leave Swindon to go to Bristol and Plymouth I think now they will start coming to Swindon.”

Powell also hinted that Swindon welterweight Cox could well fight for his first title in his home town, adding: “Jamie Cox can be as good as he wants to be.

“To give him his credit in his last few performances he has shown what he can do.

“Gavin Fitzpatrick has done a great job with him and we are pleased with the way things are going.

“I don’t see any reason why we couldn’t get his title shot here but it just depends on what time of year it would be and whether we could get a venue big enough.

“I know Keith has talked about the County Ground but that only gives you a window between May and September. It just depends where, when and what might become available but it is a possibility.”

For ticket information contact Keith Mayo on 07789890453.