Title defence for Mitchell

28 December 2005

HEAVY WAIT . . . rivals Matt Skelton (left) and Danny Williams

AFTER staging London's biggest boxing night of the year in December, Docklands ExCel centre will against host an all-star fight night on Saturday February 25 with Danny Williams facing Matt Skelton in their heavyweight showdown and Kevin Mitchell set to make the first defence of his IBF inter-continental title, writes LEN WHALEY.

Unbeaten Dagenham super featherweight Mitchell clinched his first professional title with a sixth-round stoppage success over tough French rival Mohammed Medjedji on the recent Sports Network bill which attracted a 15,000 audience to the exhibition centre.

The new champion is set to box again in February and could get the chance of his first defence at the Arena which is just a short trip for his large-sized local fan following.

Millions

Meanwhile fight fans and millions of TV viewers will certainly be hoping that the British and Commonwealth title clash will provide more thrills than the bore war which saw Williams take a split decision from Audley Harrison earlier this month.

Certainly, Williams expects a more exciting encounter in February: "Unlike Audley Harrison, who is a complete joke, I look at Skelton as a warrior and I know he will come to have a fight," said Williams. The contest will not only determine who Britain's best heavyweight is and ultimately set the winner up for a possible crack at a version of the world heavyweight crown.

"Frank Warren has already told us that whoever wins definitely gets a world title shot, against either WBO champion Lamon Brewster or newly-crowned WBA title holder Nicolay Valuev," said Williams.

"But first thing's first, Skelton needs taking care of," added Williams.

After his first round victory over John McDermott to retain his British title on the Williams-Harrison bill, Bedford battler Skelton is still fuming over Williams' last minute withdrawal from their scheduled summer meeting.

He insists: "Me and Danny have got unfinished business to settle so he had better turn up this time."

Alongside Mitchell on the undercard of the Sports Network show will be members of the Newham-based TKO Gym squad under trainer Johnny Eames.