Earl’s Judgement Night of titles

THREE titles are up for grabs when Graham Earl’s Judgement Night takes to the ring at Northampton Cricket Ground on Saturday night, writes Mike Simmonds.

Jay Morris defends his British Masters light welterweight title against Gavin Deacon, while new signing Paul Morby is fighting Matthew Barney for the vacant super middleweight British Masters and Southern Area titles.

Morby, 30, recently joined Earl’s gym and is looking to get his career back on track. After winning five of his first six bouts, he has lost his last four and has been out of the ring since December 2009.

Barney will be no pushover though as the 36-year-old has 26 wins from 34 fights.

Meanwhile Morris, 32, takes on 28-year-old Northampton fighter Gavin Deacon.

Earl, pictured, said: “There is a lot of pressure on Morris and it is a big fight for him.

“He needs to win otherwise it could scupper his future plans for other title fights.

“It won’t be easy though because Deacon is from Northampton, so the support will be for his opponent, but I know Jay is buzzing about the fight.

“Paul has come over after joining up on the open day, so we have high hopes for him too.”

In supporting bouts, Lutonian Emmanuel Oshinronde is looking for his first pro win against Matt Jack, while Jahmaine Smyle faces Latvian Alex Spitko in a bout announced yesterday.

Earl also has three debutants in action as Terry Holmes takes on Johnny Greaves, who has a fairly undistinguished record with three wins and 54 defeats from his 57 bouts.

Joe Hillerby faces Lutonian Gavin Putney, who at 32 has one victory and five defeats under his belt in his six fights.

Ian Boyd comes up against 31-year-old Rick Boulter, with Boulter not having tasted victory in his previous four bouts.

Jamie Boness has had to withdraw through illness, but Earl is delighted with ticket sales and is relishing the evening.

He added: “We’ve had a lot of calls and we will be doing walk-ins too.

“I would love to have a fight planned for myself, but I know it’s something that won’t happen at the moment.

“I know how hard all the fighters are working and want them to return with titles

“I have always said that I won’t be mollycoddling my fighters.

“I want them to take the next step and do it level by level and becoming champions, but young champions.”

Doors open at 6pm.