Board cast doubts on a ring return for Luton’s Earl

Undefeated Scouser, Nathan Brough, 28, had claimed he would be taking on the former Commonwealth and British champion at Liverpool’s Olympia on May 24.

Earl, 34, hasn’t fought in almost four years since he beat Karl Taylor in his swansong at Liquid Envy nightclub, Luton.

That left him with a record of 26 wins and four defeats and according to the BBBoC he is currently without a boxing licence.

But Brough, 28, with nine straight wins to his name, is keen to fight Earl whose bout against Michael Katsidis in 2007 was named fight of the year as Earl was was retired by his corner after five pulsating rounds.

Brough, with nine straight wins, said: “I’ve got nothing but respect for Graham as an opponent. He was in that great fight with Katsidis - he’s been in with (current world champion) Ricky Burns, and some of the best around.

“He’s a strong fighter and I’m expecting him to take the fight to me. I’m expecting the usual Graham Earl.

“I can’t see him just taking it for the money because, in all fairness, the money probably won’t be that great for him. My opinion is that he’s come back and been offered me, at 9-0, and he’s thinking if he beats me then it puts his career back on track.

“It will get him noticed again, and I think he will be fired up for this fight.”

Light-welterweight Brough has put a hand problem behind him and will share the billing at the Olympia with a host of other Merseyside talent.

He added: “The Olympia is a real fight venue and the atmosphere is always electric. Hopefully we’ll pack it out because there’s some really good talent on and there’ll be some great fights. If people aren’t doing anything they should definitely get themselves along.”

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