Hennessy Boxing: Elcock Claims British Title Birmingham Bound

ByBoxing Press

Wayne Elcock is determined to be reunited with an old friend this weekend; his prized Lonsdale belt. The 35-year-old held the British title for a period of 18 months up until losing it to Birmingham rival Matthew Macklin earlier this year but he’s determined to take repossession of his old belt this weekend when he meets “Dazzling” Darren Barker for the vacant title at the Brentwood Centre.

The two leading contenders clash in a Hennessy Sports event which is live on ITV4 with Elcock a 4/1 outsider to regain his title. However the former World title challenger says the bookies odds only add fuel to the fire for his preparations.

“I know what I’m up against,” said Elcock. “I’m aware that people are writing me off because of my age and my defeat to Macklin last time out but that only fires me up even more. I know Barker’s a good fighter, I’ve watched a lot of him and I have plenty of respect for him but I’m at my best when my backs against the wall and the odds are stacked against me. I’ve always thrived on that type of challenge.”

Elcock says that winning back the British title and inflicting the first defeat of Barker’s career would go down as one of biggest wins in his career. “Being British Champion was very important to me, having that belt around your waist is a special feeling and it’s one I want to get back.

“Not many tipped me to beat Howard Eastman to win the title but I did. I know that beating Barker will leave me just one successful defence away from keeping that beautiful belt for keeps and I’d love to hand it over to my son one day.”

The undercard at the Brentwood Centre will feature Colchester’s Lee Purdy defending his Southern Area Welterweight title against Wokingham’s Mark Douglas.

Waltham Abbey middleweight Daniel “Mr. Slick” Cadman will also end a three year hiatus from the ring when he fights on the undercard alongside bouts featuring exciting light middleweight Yassine El Maachi and unbeaten prospects Bradley Evans, Bobby Ward, Phill Fury and Steve Barnes.

Tickets for the bout priced £30 and £80 are available from the Ticketline box office on 0844 888 4402 or via www.ticketline.co.uk.