Frank Maloney Show Preview: Old Fighter-New Blood

On the 24nd of October Frank Maloney presents for one night only: OLD FIGHTER-NEW BLOOD. The promotion will see two experienced pros attempt to derail two top prospects chances of progressing to bigger and better challenges in their respective careers.

Former IBF world title challenger, Jason Booth defends his British title against Bury’s Scott Quigg and former European challenger, Carl Johansson faces unbeaten light welterweight Karl Place.

Last time Booth fought he was facing feared puncher Kiko Martinez for the European title to potentially push him back into contention for a fight for another world championship.

Unfortunately on the night in Madrid, Booth fell short and his career is now at a cross roads. Now he facing one of the many up and coming super bantamweights from the British Isles, in the shape of Scott Quigg.

Quigg, who turned pro at eighteen, has looked impressive stopping fifteen opponents out of nineteen fights, but there are no notable names on the record that come close to the calibre of Booth. Venezuelan Franklin Valera,was the best opponent on paper, but if you dig little deeper, 10 of his 19 wins are against debuting fighters or boxers with more losses than wins on the record. It’s also worth noting that Quigg only fought in twelve amateur fights. While he did win ten of them bouts and represent England, he still has a lot to learn to cope with different situations.

Booth has fought for titles in the four weight classes he has operated in. Even after his much publicised battle with alcohol and drugs, he has been able to regroup, win, Commonwealth titles in two weight classes, the British title in one weight class and challenged for an IBF world title.

The level of experience that Booth will be able to draw on will be almost double (in the professional ranks) then what Quigg can draw upon. Booth has been the distance twelve times in his career and a number of them have been on the continent. While the fight is not abroad - it is six miles away from Quigg’s home town, Bury, I am sure Quigg’s fans will try and make the Reebok Stadium an intimidating atmosphere.

Quigg is the taller fighter by ten centimetres, but Booth has fought taller men. He stopped Michael Hunter in the fifth round and also squeezed through with a split decision win against Jamie Arthur. He was dictating the fight with his jab for a number of the rounds and was able to get in the inside and rough his opponent up.

The quality of sparring sessions that Quigg will have been involved in would be of the highest calibre.

Quigg has been moving around gyms the last six months but now he has based himself in Gallagher’s Gym in Bolton under the guidance of Joe Gallagher, where Quigg will have been in sparring sessions with the likes of Stephen Smith and Gary Sykes before their respective title fights.

Whichever boxer wins the bout, there are a number of potential, challengers out there that would love a shot at either fighter.

I am sure Booth would love to settle the score and gain revenge against Kiko Martinez, should the opportunity arise, and then face the IBF title holder Takalani Ndlovu.

Top prospect, Carl Frampton, who recently won the Commonwealth title, would be a great fight with Quigg. Also Kid Galahad, who has quietly been making progress, is another option should be beat Willie Casey in November.

At 33, Booth still has the tools to cause Quigg problems. He throws fantastic hooks and uppercuts when he can get into range. Booth has a underrated jab and impressive footwork that allows him to dance around his opponents and select his shots.With the reach advantage Quigg has it will be difficult for Booth to manoeuvre himself inside to let his punches fly. The hand speed of Quigg will give Booth problems, but with the experience that Booth has, I can see him enticing the youngster in and counter punching.

I can see this fight being a scrappy affair with Booth slipping and sliding, luring Quigg into range but, I am hoping that Booth can come through this fight and earn himself a crack at a world title again and complete a turnaround in his life once again.

I would love the prospect of a British and Commonwealth title unification battle between Scott Quigg and Carl Frampton.

I can see the fight being similar to the Booth vs Arthur fight. Lots of heart, guts and determination will be shown. Booth will take Quigg to places he hasn't been before and Booth will be tagged with a number of shots that would put a lesser boxer down, all for the hope of another crack at the grand prize, a world title belt.

Expert opinion:

Darren Wilson, the owner of Fight Acadamy Wales, is the current trainer of Jason Cook. He was the trainer of retired super bantamweight Commonwealth champion Jamie Arthur when he faced Jason Booth in a British and Commonwealth unification fight. In what was a real battle, Booth prevailed and won via a split decision, but it was a hard night at the office of Booth.

"This is a really interesting fight. Quigg is a good up and coming boxer and he has looked impressive when I have seen him fight.”

“Booth is tough as they come. He showed great heart against Jamie Arthur in what was a tough, fight for both boxers. He has a massive amount of experience and knows every trick in the book, although I see the younger Quigg winning on points."

Undercard Preview

Chief support will see star for the future, Karl Place continuing his ring apprenticeship when he takes on old war horse, Carl Johanneson over eight rounds.

Last time Place fought, he beat Michael Grant over six rounds. Place landed the harder blows over the six round distance. Place’s jab was thrown with bad intentions and he fought at a high pace and Grant wasn’t able hold the taller framed Place off. While Grant didn’t win the fight he did catch Place with a few lead right hands, but Grant’s lack of power was ultimately, his downfall.

To hardcore British fans, Carl Johanneson really no needs no introduction. He has been in wars with Michael Gomez, Kevin Mitchell and dropped Gary Sykes. After campaigning around the featherweight, super featherweight and lightweight limits for a number of years, Johanneson has taken the leap to 140lb division.

At 5’5 it is going to be hard to contain the constant pressure from Place. Johanneson has been stopped three times at lighter weights. Place has stopped, the tough Maurycy Gojko, who has only been stopped five times in forty four fights.

A great fight down the line would be Karl Place against either Jason Cook or Curtis Woodhouse who collide in November.

Other bouts on the promotion will see Tony Hill faces Kerry Hope in another crossroads battle in a British middleweight title eliminator. Joe Hughes battles Chad Gaynor and someone’s ‘0’ has to go when Ali Shah faces Glenn Foot in the welterweight division.

One final point, people who are involved in this promotion need to be given credit for matching these two gifted boxers. There was a trend a few years back where once an older more established fighter would vacate his title rather than fight the up and coming boxer. Thankfully this trend is slowly going away now from British shores.