Lynes Gets British Title Shot Against Purdy

Lee ‘Lights Out’ Purdy will defend his British Welterweight title against Colin Lynes at York Hall, Bethnal Green on Wednesday 9 November, live on Sky Sports.

Colchester man Purdy claimed the title with a stunning fifth round stoppage over Craig Watson at the M.E.N Arena in Manchester in April and repeated that triumph in his first defence, a rematch against Watson in July in the Oldham man’s backyard, again in the fifth round.

Purdy’s second defence is an all-Essex affair against Hornchurch’s Lynes in east London, with the former British and European Light Welterweight champion from Hornchurch having a settle to score with the famous venue where he was on the receiving end of a controversial split decision in the semi-final of Prizefighter in June against eventual winner Yassine El Maachi.

“Fighting Colin is a great test for my second defence,” said Purdy. “I feel like I am ready to move up to European level and to prove that I need to win fights like this one, against good fighters who have had success in the places that I want to go to.”

“Lee is the man in charge of that British belt and I’m confident I can take it off him,” said Lynes. “Whatever happens it will be a cracking fight because we both like to throw shots and leave everything in the ring.”

Ashley Sexton will provide the chief support, defending his English Flyweight belt. Cheshunt’s Sexton won the title with the first round knockout of Usman Ahmed that has been a YouTube hit with over five million views. Sexton’s opponent will be named soon, and the winner will be hoping for a crack at the British belt in 2012.

Also featuring on the bill are a talented group of unbeaten youngsters; Islington’s Tyler Goodjohn, Ely’s John Ryder, Wood Green’s Chris Evangelou and Upminster’s Ryan Taylor, with north London’s 7-1 light heavyweight Erick Ochieng also on the card.

“This promises to be a great night of boxing in east London with a lot of local boys strutting their stuff,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Purdy versus Lynes is a potential classic while Sexton is an exciting fighter to watch – the undercard is stacked with unbeaten ticket-selling talent and it’s sure to be another Matchroom sell out.”

Tickets for the ‘Battle of Essex’ between Purdy and Lynes plus the full championship undercard led by Sexton’s title defence are available from Matchroom Sport on 01277 359900 priced at £35 unreserved, £60 ringside and £100 VIP.