Goodwin Boxing: Alexander vs. Barrett Heats Up In London

Barry Smith, coach of Mark ‘The Flash’ Alexander, is fuming at the comments that had been made in the press recently by Ryan Barratt, ahead of their 11th September showdown for the International Masters Lightweight Title on the Steve Goodwin promoted ‘It’s Personal’ double title show at York Hall, Bethnal Green, London.

Smith, who has not been in Alexander’s fight camp at the Ultrachem TKO Gym in Canning Town, London, for the past ten days, due to his brother being taken seriously ill whilst on holiday in Malta, returned on Friday to learn of the fiery verbal attack on his charge.

Still clearly distraught that his brother is still in a coma in Malta, Smith strongly defended his fighter saying, “I’ve been away for a while so didn’t know what had been said by Ryan.

“Jimmy Tibbs has been looking after Mark for me. He’s had him a hell of a lot of good sparring, also as well he’s put a couple of people over, so Ryan wants to be careful what he’s saying and doesn’t want to overlook Mark.

Obviously we all know he’s (Ryan Barratt) been in with Amir Khan, but for only about 30 seconds, where he (Mark Alexander) has been in with IBO & WBF World Champion Michael Brodie and put him over twice and cut him. I really think Ryan wants to think about what he’s saying really. Mark’s putting everything into it and we’ve got good quality sparring.

Ryan wants to remember it was Mark that called him out, so I don’t think Mark’s scared one bit. Mark wants it. I think this is the break that Mark deserves. Ryan’s had his shot and it didn’t come off.

This is Mark’s shot man. yeah he’s 33, but a young 33. He sleeps well, he eats well, he lives the life, don’t drink, don’t smoke. Mark is quality.

I’ve seen Ryan fight and I think Mark’s got the edge over him. I’m not just saying that because he’s my fighter. I know boxing and I think Mark’s got the edge over him.

Think about it he’s (Mark Alexander) got it all here at the Ultrachem TKO Gym. World class trainers Johnny Eames, Derek Grainger, Brian Lawrence and Jimmy and Mark Tibbs all helping us, as well as giving their fighters to help us prepare. The in-house sparring is serious quality.

The only reason we’ve had to bring any outside sparring in at all is because we lack the right weight southpaws. Jimmy’s got one, Freddie Turner, and there are some heavier but that’s it. Ryan ain’t getting that kind of quality sparring we’ve got unless he’s paying people.

Mark ain’t gonna tire, I see it the other way round. I don’t see this being longer than three rounds. If it does, it does but I can’t see it. Mark’s sitting down on his punches now, whipping them in and he’s putting people over now. He’s never done that before. Ryan’s bit off more than he can chew by making these comments. Mark’s hungry and is coming to win, nothing less.

I like Ryan and I like Ryan’s dad. They’re nice people. They’ve always been respectful to me and I’ve always been respectful to them. But I have to say that my boy’s gonna win this. He’s shown me he really wants it and I know what he is capable of. There’s only one result and I think I know what that’s gonna be. Mark will be the Champion.”

Ryan Barratt and Mark ‘The Flash’ Alexander, for the vacant International Masters Lightweight title, will headline the Goodwin Promotions ‘It’s Personal’ event at York Hall, Bethnal Green, London on Saturday the 11th September 2010.

Co-feature on the 11th September sees Ultrachem TKO’s unbeaten Light Middleweight prospect Pat McAleese against the ultra tough Lee Noble. This fight also suits the event’s ‘It’s Personal’ billing as there’s no love lost between McAleese and Noble either.

Expect fireworks as both boxers battle it out for The British Masters Light Middleweight title as earlier this year they battled it out on a Ricky Hatton Promotions show, the result then – a draw! Nuff said.

‘It’s Personal’ also features the British professional debut of the legendary Heavyweight Champion of the World Smokin’ Joe Frazier’s protégé Marianne ‘Golden Girl’ Marston.

Marston, who is now trained in the UK by Derek Grainger at the ‘fight factory’ known as the Ultrachem TKO Gym in Canning Town, will be facing a stern test in the highly experienced Welsh battler Lana Cooper in a four round Featherweight contest.

Rising Light Middleweight star Erick ‘The Eagle Ochieng, who recently defeated Curtis Valentine in the battle of the undefeated, is looking to extend his unblemished record against Brummy hardman Dee Mitchell.

Another Light Middleweight prospect, Michael Norgrove, also looks to extend his perfect record. Norgrove, whose record ot 2-0, has his hardest test to date when he faces Finchley’s Ian Eldridge.

Welterweight John Wayne Hibbert, who also has a perfect unbeaten record, is set to face his sternest test to date when he faces the experienced brawler Kevin McAuley from Halesowen.

Ultrachem TKO’s exceptional Featherweight discovery, 19 year old George Jupp, is set for his second career fight against the highly experienced Latvian Pavels Senkovs.

Unbeaten prospect Tony “The Conqueror” Conquest is set to face one of the most experienced Cruserweight’s around, Hastings Rasani, who has fought the best the division has offered over the years, David ‘Hayemaker’ Haye, Troy Ross, Bruce ‘Lionheart’ Scott, Terry Dunston, Mark Krence, Tony Bellew, Dean Francis… and the list just goes on. This is no easy fight for Conquest, who will need to be right on his game.

Another Ultrachem TKO Gym discovery, Portsmouth’s Light Heavyweight Joel McIntyre, the protégé of WBU Light Heavyweight World Champion Tony ‘Oakey Kokey’ Oakey, will be making his highly anticipated professional debut. Joel will be facing Welsh banger Jamie Ambler.

Super Middleweight Eder Kurti will be looking to maintain his six fight winning streak against Sabie Monteith.

Bethnal Green’s highly popular Light Welterweight Jamie Arlain is set to explode on the professional scene. Arlain will be facing Bulgarian Danny Dontchev.

Exciting Welterweight prospect Phil Gill aka “The Phil Gill Experience” looks to continue his unbeaten record against the experienced Sid Razak.

Also at Welterweight Bobby Gladman, who has a perfect 6-0 record is set for a four round contest against a yet to be named opponent.

Tickets for ‘It’s Personal’ at the York Hall, Bethnal Green, London on Saturday 11th September 2010 are priced £35 (Unreserved) or £60 (Ringside).

For tickets call: 07960 850645, book on-line at www.tickets.justlisten2this.com or in person at The Ultrachem TKO Gym, Gillian House, Stephenson Street, Canning Town, London E16 4SA.