Askin Vows To Win In Memory Of Late Grandfather

Matty Askin wants to win a British title in memory of his late grandfather.

The 24-year-old boxes for the English crown against Leeds’ China Clarke at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool this Saturday night.

The victor has been ordered by the British Boxing Board of Control to defend against unbeaten Walsall man Chris Keane, but Askin believes it’s only a matter of time before he gets a shot at the Lonsdale belt and he’s got more determination than ever.

His grandfather, Terry Halpin, a respected pro boxer during the 1960s and long-time amateur trainer, passed away last year and he is serving as the inspiration for Matty’s hopes.

Askin said: “My granddad fought Ken Buchanan and did a lot for boxing. Sadly he passed away so it’d be nice to win a British title for him.

“It seems weird because he used to ring me all the time to talk about boxing and he used to call my family and tell them to leave me alone because he knew what it’s like to be mithered in the run up to a fight.

“Him not being around anymore makes me want to push on. He did well out of boxing but he never had it easy and it’d be nice to dedicate it to him for all his hard work and everything he did for the sport.

“The British title would mean the world to me and anything I win afterwards would be a bonus.

“This fight is for the English title, which is nice to have, but it’s all about performing, showing people what I can do again and getting a rematch with Jon-Lewis Dickinson.

“I think another fight between me and him is what the cruiserweight division needs.”