Bantam Craig Lyon Tops March 31 St. Helens Show

Craig Lyon will top the bill in his hometown of St. Helens for the first time, on Saturday 31st March.

The English Bantamweight champion will make the second defence of his title against Newcastle southpaw Martin Ward in a homecoming ten rounder.

It will be Lyon’s first fight since his Prizefighter setback against Ryan Farrag, in one of the most exciting fights ever seen in that competition.

Also looking to make a winning return on the Sutton Sports Centre bill will be former British welterweight champion Craig Watson, who hasn’t fought since losing his title rematch against Lee Purdy last July.

Lyon (12-1-1) recently changed camps – leaving Oliver Harrison’s stable to be trained by Ricky Hatton.

‘Hitman’ Hatton said: “Oliver did an excellent job with Craig and I hope to continue the fine work he did. We have had a few weeks together and both of us are enjoying the partnership and hopefully it will develop in the coming months.”

Lyon, 29, won the English crown in October 2010, forcing Ross Burkinshaw to retire on his stool after five rounds. His only defence, against Josh Wale, ended in a technical draw after three rounds because both men were cut.

Craig appeared twice in his hometown early on as a professional – outpointing Issac Owusu and Anthony Hannah on undercards, but cannot wait to defend a title there.

Ward, 23, has won 13 of his 14 professional contests and is coming into the fight with a confidence boosting KO of Andy Roberts.

Watson (20-5) shocked John O’Donnell to become British champion last February, but was then upset in his first defence – losing in five rounds against Purdy.

In a rematch, the Essex man repeated the win over the 28-year-old, dropping Watson twice and forcing another fifth round stoppage. Watson, who will face a selected opponent in St. Helens, insisted: “I have had a good rest and still have plenty to offer.”

The card is the latest broadcast live on ‘YouTube’ by Hatton TV and expects to pull in tens of thousands of fans from around the globe.

Hatton Promotions Director of Boxing, Richard Poxon will reveal the full undercard in the coming weeks.

Boxing starts at 7pm tickets are priced at £30 general admission and £55 ringside. You can buy by calling 01925 755 222, Ticketmaster 0844 847 2500, Ticketline 0844 888 9991, any boxer on the bill or online www.hattonboxing.com