Newell in ring return

BOXING:

OLDHAM’s John Newell is on the comeback trail tomorrow night.

The 18-year-old former junior ABA champion returns to the ring after recovering from injury.

Newell takes on Adam Farrell over three, three-minute rounds at Liverpool Dockers Club.

He was forced to pull out of the England squad which competed in the European Championships after damaging tissue in his left hand.

Out of action since July, the Shannon and Ancoats fighter is ready and raring to go, according to his dad, Tony. He said: “John has been very patient, but he is now eager to get back in there.

“He has been sparring with Prince Arron, the British light-middleweight champion, and everything has gone well. John is fighting at middleweight tomorrow and is up against a light heavyweight, so it should be a good test.”

Newell’s next big goal is being in rude health for the the start of 2012, with the senior ABAs fixed firmly in his sights.



PREPARATIONS are almost complete for the Oldham Boxing and Personal Development Centre’s amateur show at the Queen Elizabeth Hall on Saturday night.

‘Oldham v The Rest 2’ will see many of the town’s finest taking on all-comers. Among the guests on the night are Denton Vassell, who recently defended his Commonwealth middleweight title in Oldham, former WBC supermiddleweight belt holder Robin Reid and reigning British lightweight champion Antony Crolla.

The evening (from 7pm, first bout 8.30pm) will help raise money for the OBPDC move to Victoria House.

Details: (0161) 628 8466.