Click for larger image © Jane Warburton / Saddo Boxing
SaddoBoxing was at the characterful Rockingham Arms Hotel in Doncaster, England, yesterday for the official press conference previewing the Frank Maloney promoted fightnight “Nowhere to Run! Nowhere to Hide!” in which reigning champion Carl Johanneson and former champion Michael Gomez fight for the British Super Featherweight title at the Doncaster Dome on October 19.
Outside the hotel, a horse-drawn carriage awaited the two fighters for their first “face to face”. A Maloney media release had announced the press conference as being an “Explosive Head-to-Head” and they weren’t kidding!
As soon as Gomez, 34-7 (24), and Johanneson, 26-3 (18), got near each other in the carriage, sparks flew, and promoter Maloney and Gomez’s trainer Bobby Rimmer did well to keep the two fighters from starting their fight 9 days early!
Angrily pressed up against each other, their foreheads rubbing together, both fighters mouthed their distaste for each other. Managing to calm the situation, Frank and Bobby looked relieved to be off the back of the carriage and even the horse had to be calmed down!
Inside the hotel, Frank Maloney sat at the table taking a central position to keep a healthy distance between Johanneson and Gomez! Also at the table were ex-Commonwealth Light Welter titlist Gary Reid, 13-17-1 (8), and undefeated prospect John Fewkes, 15-0 (2), who will square off on the same bill.
Bantamweight Ross “The Boss” Burkinshaw, 4-0 (2), was also in attendance, his opponent on the 19th is yet to be confirmed.
Conference Audio Below…
Click for larger image © Jane Warburton / Saddo Boxing
[audio:Gomez-Johanneson.mp3]
