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After participating in a series of gruelling clashes in 2012, Driffield’s Curtis Woodhouse begins the New Year in a similar manner as he tackles unbeaten Colne prospect, Shayne Singleton, in what promises to be an excellent Yorkshire/Lancashire collision.
The contest is scheduled for February 22nd and will take place at Rotherham’s atmospheric Magna Centre. Show promoter Dave Coldwell is expecting another vintage performance from his English 10st champion.
“2012 was a mixed year for Curtis but it was also a year in which he came of age and proved to all the doubters that he definitely belonged in British title class,” said Coldwell.
“I always knew that the road to titles would contain many obstacles for Curtis and I said from day one that it wouldn’t be an easy ride but we’re slowly getting there and I think 2013 could be the time when he fulfils all his potential. Shayne Singleton is unbeaten and will be looking to stay that way so it promises to be an excellent fight.”
The aforementioned “mixed year” for Woodhouse began in June when he fell agonisingly short in a brutal encounter against Derby’s Dale Miles. The pair traded huge shots throughout five frantically-paced rounds before Miles found a perfect right hand that Woodhouse had no answer to.
Not to be deterred by the setback, the former footballer returned to action three months later and was mightily impressive against Dave Ryan as he captured the English title in another exciting scrap. Coldwell believes the 2012 experience has made Woodhouse “a much better fighter.”
“Barring Amir Khan, Dave Ryan and Dale Miles would be a handful for all leading British light-welters and Curtis has gone in there and more than handled his own with both. He’s a hungry fighter who’s always willing to learn and his work ethic is second to none.
“When he loses, he’s desperate to fight again to put things right and when he wins, he wants to get back in there so he can keep climbing the ladder.
“We’ve got to get him the right fights at the right times now but I’m very confident that this could be a very rewarding year for Curtis. We’ve got our eyes set on the Darren Hamilton/Steve Williams winner.”
