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Tommy Stubbs: chance meeting with boxing legend Frank Bruno.

Boxing:

Bruno chat gives Stubbs extra belief for ring return
A CHANCE encounter with former world heavyweight champion Frank Bruno buoyed a rejuvenated Tommy Stubbs, who flies the flag for his home town at Oldham Sports Centre on Saturday.

The Chadderton featherweight (22) faces 33-year-old Skegness scrapper Gavin Reid in a four-round bout — his first official fight in seven months — on the undercard of Anthony Crolla’s clash with North-West rival Derry Mathews.

It is Crolla’s second defence of his British lightweight title.

Stubbs, who is rated as one of the region’s hottest properties, has overcome personal issues since the turn of the year and now looks destined to fulfil his potential.

And after bumping into legendary figure Bruno during a show at the Midland Hotel in Manchester, he is more determined than ever to make a name for himself.

Stubbs said: “It was great to meet him, he was such a big star in his career.

Fellow Oldham boxer Craig Watson was due to make his long-awaited comeback on the bill, but will instead appear on the undercard of Scott Quigg and Rendall Munroe’s British super bantamweight title clash at the Manchester Velodrome on June 16.

Boxing starts at 6.15pm. Tickets are £35 general admission, £55 floor seating, £75 ringside and £100 VIP ringside. Available from the Hatton Box Office (01925) 755 222, Ticketmaster 0844 847 2500, Ticketline 0844 888 9991, or online www.hattonboxing.com