Markham Ready To Rock On Local UK Fight Card

Grays’ exciting middleweight Lee Markham is three weeks away from his first title shot. On 5th April, Markham takes on the tough ‘Pocklington Rocket’ Harry Matthews for the British Masters middleweight title at his hometown venue of Grays Civic Hall, in a show which is already virtually sold out.

The show, promoted by Steve Goodwin for Goodwin Promotions, will be shown live on Eurosport and features three title fights.

Markham warmed up for the contest with a two round demolition of Jamie Boness and since signing with Goodwin, the 24 year-old has recorded three back-to-back stoppage victories.

Markham is clearly improving. “I was offered a Southern Area title fight with John Ryder last December and whilst excited about the opportunity, my manager Steve persuaded me it was a fight for us in the future and he was right,” said Markham. “He is guiding me the right way.”

Matthews is one tough customer. It is ironic that the Yorkshireman was promoted by Markham’s (now) manager Steve Goodwin when he moved to 9-0 in March 2010, after defeating Terry Carruthers by knockout.

Since leaving Goodwin, Matthews’ results deteriorated, though his record stands at a still-impressive 12-6-1. Matthews has been mixing in decent class – his last fight was a points loss to Chris Eubank Jr.

In the joint main event, Chester livewire Chris Goodwin, who has won 16 from 19 fights, takes on Irishman Oisin Fagan for the International Masters lightweight title. Fagan (26-8) at the age of 39 is certainly at the veteran stage of his career but he has mixed in world class company against the likes of Amir Khan and Paul Spadafora and he’ll still be a stiff test for Goodwin.

‘The Tornado’ Tyler Goodjohn came close to winning his first title in 2012 when he lost a close decision to now Southern Area champion Danny Connor. Tyler looks to make amends as he takes on Dave ‘Dezzy O’Connor from Plymouth for the British Masters light-welterweight strap.

‘Lay ‘Em Out’ Ian Lewison, fresh from his controversial Prizefighter semi-final exit, has an International heavyweight clash with a soon to be named opponent.

Another heavyweight from Brixton, the exciting AJ Carter, makes his debut.

Jimmy Coyle, former national amateur champion, has his first fight under the Goodwin banner since signing a long term deal. Jimmy defeated current world champion Nathan Cleverly as an amateur and fights in a four-threes middleweight contest.

Cruiserweight Menay ‘The Emperor’ Edwards re-appears after his comprehensive defeat last weekend of former British champion Shane McPhilbin.Light-middleweight Billy Cayzer has his first fight since losing his unbeaten professional record against Bulgarian Champion Stillian Kostov.

The traditional bumper Goodwin card is completed by middleweight Miley Cash and super-middleweight Mike Evans.

There are a limited amount of tickets available at www.goodwinpromotions.co.uk