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Lee Purdy’s welterweight clash with Carson Jones on ‘Christmas Cracker’ is off after a virus ruled the Colchester man out of the contest.
Darren Barker’s middleweight clash with Kerry Hope now tops the bill as a 12-round clash for the IBF Inter-Continental title with the two former European middleweight champions also jostling for position in a potentially massive year in the division in Britain in 2013.
Barker boxes for the first time since his brave World title challenge against Sergio Martinez in Atlantic City in October 2011, while Hope is aiming to get back into the title mix after two gruelling European title bouts with Greg Proksa, while Purdy and Jones are set to meet in the New Year.
“We are all gutted to lose this fight and will now rearrange the bout for March,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Barker now takes on Hope in a 12 round championship contest and John Ryder’s crunch middleweight test against Eamonn O’Kane will be an eliminator for the British title.
“Erick Ochieng defends his English light middleweight title against British title challenger Max Maxwell, while unbeaten cruiserweight Wadi Camacho faces Toks Owoh for the vacant Southern Area strap.
“Exciting bantamweight star Kal Yafai faces Spanish champion Jorge Perez and impressive young former Team GB stars Martin J. Ward and Callum Smith also feature in what promises to be a great end to our shows in 2012.”
Tickets for ‘Christmas Cracker’ are on sale now priced £40 unreserved, £60 corner ringside, £80 ringside and £150 VIP. Tickets are available from Matchroom Sport on 01277 359900 and at www.matchroomboxing.com
