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Tony Bellew will face Edison Miranda at Alexandra Palace, North London on September 8 in an action packed bill with six title fights live on Sky Sports in ‘London Calling’.
The Liverpool fighter tackles the two-time IBF super middleweight title challenger for the WBC International light heavyweight title in a co-headlining show with Darren Barker, the former undefeated European middleweight champ who will return to action after his valiant World title challenge against Sergio Martinez, facing Italian middleweight champion Simone Rotolo for the IBF Inter Continental middleweight title.
Exciting Columbian Miranda has shared the ring with the likes of Andre Ward, Lucian Bute, Arthur Abraham and Kelly Pavlik, and the 31 year old will provide a stern test to Bellew.
The 29 year old was impressive in his last outing with a brutal fifth round KO of Danny McIntosh in Liverpool in April, and says this is the step up he has been craving as he looks to prove he can mix it at World level.
“He’s a World class name and the sort of guy I’ve been looking to fight for some time now,” said Bellew. “When you look at the guys he’s fought and the titles he’s boxed for you know you are sharing the ring with someone who is at the top level and it should be a great fight as he can punch and he comes to fight.
“McIntosh was a European champ and I beat him up convincingly so I’ve proved I belong at European level at least but I’ve always thought that I can aim higher and if I can do a job on Miranda then that will prove it.”
“I’m buzzing for this fight and I’ve already organised half a dozen coaches to come down from Liverpool on the day, and I’m sure there will be more as this is a proper fight not to be missed.”
Barker fights for the first time since his Atlantic City showdown with Martinez in October and will be tested by Rotolo, who won the Italian middleweight strap in March with a tenth round stoppage. That victory extended the 36 year olds unbeaten run to seven since he lost a controversial split decision for the European title against former World champion Sebastian Sylvester in 2007.
Barker and Bellew top a top class bill in north London with exciting light middleweight star Erick Ochieng defending his English title for the second time against Southern Area champ Ryan Toms.
Lee Purdy making a third defence of his English welterweight title, hotly tipped Islington middleweight John Ryder will also be in title action while popular unbeaten Chris ‘The Flash’ Evangelou fights for the first title of his career when he tackles Danny Connor for the vacant Southern Area light welterweight title.
There are debuts for Team GB stars Iain Weaver and Martin Ward who hope to follow the example set by Kal Yafai when he stopped Delroy Spencer on his debut in July. Yafai fights for the second time as a pro, as does cruiserweight prospect Wadi Camacho and Ryan ‘Crash Bang’ Taylor completes the line-up in his seventh pro outing.
“It’s been a while since we’ve had a big show in the capital and we are back with a bang on September 8,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Bellew v Miranda is a mouthwatering clash and I’m excited to see the return of Darren Barker who is already looking in great shape. There are six title fights on a packed eleven fight card so fans and Sky viewers can expect to be royally entertained at the Palace.”
Tickets for the bumper night of championship boxing led by Barker and Bellew are available now priced £40 unreserved, £60 ringside and £120 VIP from Matchroom Sport on 01277 359900 and www.matchroomboxing.com
