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War is on the horizon for Curtis Woodhouse and Jason Cook, as the two hard-hitting light-welterweights prepare for a ten-round showdown at the Magna Centre in Rotherham on Saturday, November 26.
Considered two of the most exciting boxers on the British Isles, Woodhouse and Cook meet in Rotherham with one eye on producing a Fight of the Year contender and another eye on landing a British title shot in 2012.
In addition to the can’t-miss main event, promoter David Coldwell is also delighted to announce the return of former WBC light-middleweight title challenger – Ryan Rhodes, in a non-title eight-rounder against an opponent still to be decided.
The 34-year-old Rhodes won the European light-middleweight title in October 2009 and earlier this year challenged Mexican superstar Saul Alvarez for his version of the world championship. Despite coming up short that night in Mexico, Rhodes returns to Rotherham on November 26 with every intention of coming back even stronger than before.
“I am ecstatic to be able to bring so many quality operators to Rotherham on November 26”, said the show’s promoter – David Coldwell. “Ask any British boxing fan and they’ll tell you this is about as good as it gets for a small hall, non-television show. We have an important and intriguing match-up in the main event, as well as the return of a genuine world-class operator in the chief support contest.
Not only that, we also have a much-anticipated rematch between Nav Mansouri and Dee Mitchell over six rounds. All in all, this is one of the most exciting shows Coldwell Boxing have put on to date”.
Headliner Woodhouse, meanwhile, is just delighted to be facing a mirror-image of himself on November 26.
“The show is titled ‘War’ and I don’t think you could come up with a better name for my fight with Jason Cook”, said Woodhouse, a former professional footballer now making waves in the boxing game.
“This will be an old-fashioned war between two guys who come to the ring with similar intentions. We both practice the art of hands up, chin down and bombs away and neither of us stop throwing leather until our hand is raised at the bout’s conclusion. I don’t see that changing on November 26.
This fight can’t be anything but a classic. Neither of us are exactly Willie Pep in there, so I predict all-out warfare from the first bell onwards”.
The 31-year-old Woodhouse was once a million pound star for Birmingham City and Sheffield United football clubs, but now plies his trade in the boxing ring, a transition which has tested the Driffield man’s resolve and dedication to the maximum. Fighting his way through scepticism to begin with, Woodhouse now stands as one of the most exciting and respected ten-stone fighters in the country.
A professional fighter since 2006, Woodhouse has flourished in the ring, despite boasting no amateur bouts to his name, and won the hearts of the boxing world with a gutsy display against former World Amateur Champion Frankie Gavin in July.
Despite conceding experience, weight and natural talent to his younger foe, Woodhouse silenced the doubters and pushed Gavin all the way, losing a contentious split-decision at the conclusion of twelve rounds. Woodhouse proved himself even in defeat that night.
His opponent, Maesteg mauler – Jason ‘The Power’ Cook, is a man that has lived up to his nickname on more than one occasion. He shocked the world in 2002 when travelling to Italy to knock out European lightweight champion Sandro Casamonica in two rounds, and then twice successfully defended that crown, most notably against Stefano Zoff, the seasoned Italian veteran. Cook also won an IBO version of the world title in 2003, when he defeated Ariel Mariano Olveira inside seven rounds at home in Wales.
Now 36 years of age, Cook currently competes as a light-welterweight, but has seemingly lost none of his power and drive. He worked his way towards a British title shot in July and, while champion Ashley Theophane got the better of him down the stretch, displayed plenty of spirit and excitement in the process. Keen to right the wrongs and receive a second chance, Cook knows that an explosive victory over Woodhouse on November 26 will open many more doors for him in 2012.
Tickets for ‘War’ are priced at £30 (unreserved) and £60 (ringside) and can be purchased from Friday, September 16 via www.coldwellboxing.com
