HTSPORTSNEWS

James Todd makes a return to in ring action for the first time since October 2015. He will go head-to-head with ‘The Camden Caretaker’ Robbie Chapman over four rounds at the Selwyn Samuel Centre, Llanelli this Saturday.

After being granted his professional boxing licence back from the BBBoC yesterday (Wednesday 17th April), the man from Swansea returns on short notice for a Tear Up at the Selwyn.

On his return, Todd said: “Trainings been going well. I’ve been in camp around 8 weeks now.

“My licence was only approved yesterday so it’s been tough not knowing if I would get a licence in time for Saturdays fight. Thankfully it’s all sorted and I’m good to go,” he stated.

You have to go back to October 10th 2015 for his last fight which came against Mick Mills at the Newport Centre that night saw James win every single round. He stated: “I’m buzzing for it. Back under the lights, older and wiser with an incredible team behind me.

“Unfortunately I was injured in the build up to my last fight so wasn’t feeling 100% but got the job done.

“It’s disappointing as a fighter when your opponent doesn’t come to fight and spends the round holding and spoiling,” he added.

James Todd made his debut back in December 2008 at the Thistle Hotel, Bristol where referee Wynford Jones scored the contest a draw against Adam Cummings.

Following on from that, the orthodox fighter picked up a few wins and then crossed the pond and fought for the World Boxing Foundation Intercontinental Welterweight title against Mohammed Kayongo at the National Guard Armory, St Paul.

His opponent on Saturday night has fought four times already this year seeing the final bell on all occasions. In fact the last time Chapman was stopped was back in November 2020 against Caoimhin Agyarko at the BT Studios.

On his opponent, Todd stated: “My original opponent was 0-7 and I wasn’t interested in having an opponent who wasn’t coming to fight.

“I then got offered Robbie, done some research on him and I think it’s going to be an interesting fight.

“He looks like a good fighter, that’s all I needed to know,” he concluded.

Words By Harry Tovey

Carmarthen’s Angelo Dragone (7-3-0) was scheduled to face Dale Arrowsmith this Saturday at the Selwyn Samuel Centre in Llanelli, but due to illness has pulled out.

On the unfortunate event of not fighting this weekend, Dragone said: “Training hasn’t been the best if I’m honest because I’ve been ill for the last two weeks. 

“This Saturday isn’t going to happen, so I’ve actually pulled out of the fight as you can hear by the sound of my voice.  

“I’m still recovering and it’s s a bit of a disappointment, but I am pushing through but ain’t going to be well enough to fight, I’m still training but I have to pull out of Saturday night,” he added.

Dragone who is coming off the back of a dominant points decision win over Kasey Bradnum last time out at Brangwyn Hall, he stated: “After this fight, I was planning on going on the road and becoming a journeyman, but obviously every fight I get I’ll go into win. 

“It’s because of the way things are going at the minute with the cost of living and just being a prospect in general, it is hard to sell tickets. 

“People haven’t got the money like they used to, I had two or three dates pencilled in, one at the end of April the other in May and possibly one in June,” he stated. 

The 34-year-old on two occasions fought for the BBBofC Welsh super featherweight and featherweight titles. However, he was unable to pick up a win on either occasion.

His first attempt came back in 2019 against Swansea’s Kristian Touze at LC2 Swansea, where he lost 97-94 on the referee’s scorecard.

Then after over a year out of the ring, ‘The Italian Stallion’ made his return on the undercard of Billy Joe Saunders World title fight against Martin Murray at Wembley Arena.

He was yet again in a close contest where he lost 58-56 on the scorecard against Donte Dixon.

Dragone in the final round of the fight also broke his jaw, which kept him out of ring action for the best part of seven months. 

After that he again challenged for the Welsh title against Jacob Robinson at the Vale Sports Arena, but again lost out as the scorecard read 95-94 in favour of Robinson.

In that fight, Angelo suffered a cut on the bridge of his nose and right eye, also Robinson got deducted a point for holding. On a potential third attempt at gaining the Welsh title, he said: “I had some big news last night, which is that I will be fighting for a title in June.

“I’m obviously going to aim for that title shot first and then obviously put everything into that training camp, and then I’ll see where it takes me. 

“I didn’t expect it if I’m honest and I wasn’t even planning on fighting for a Welsh title again, but when the opportunity knocks you have to grab it with both hands. 

“I am 34 now and I will probably not have another chance to fight for it again, this will be my third time fighting for it and this time around it is there for the taking,” he insisted. 

On who he wants to fight, ‘The Italian Stallion’ concluded: “I’ve always wanted to fight a Mexican because of my style and as I like a good tear-up and a trade-off.

“A tough Mexican opponent would be it, not a World Champion or anything, just someone who will stand there and go toe-to-toe with me.”

Words By Harry Tovey

Jordan Withers (5-0) returns to action on Saturday, April 20th, as he takes on Dylan Courtney (2-10-2) at the Selwyn Samuel Centre, Llanelli, where he makes his first of many outings in 2024.

Talking ahead of his fight, Withers said: “Training is going perfectly, fittest I have ever been throughout my boxing career and living the life of a true professional.

Jordan Withers was meant to fight on March 2nd at the Laura Trott Leisure Centre for his first fight of 2024 when asked about how tough it is to find opponents, he said: “To be honest, it’s extremely tough, it’s as if I’m stuck in a place where I’m too good at boxing journeymen and not experienced enough to be fighting for big titles. 

“I’d blow the Welsh level out of the water, so now I have the right manager that is guiding me right and I’m able to go down a different route,” he insisted. 

His opponent Courtney has already fought twice this year against Ibrahim Mercan and Francis Kershaw, where he saw the final bell on both occasions, on his opponent he said: I’m expecting him to come and have a go. 

“He’s never been stopped, so it would be great if I could be the first, I know with my accuracy and speed I’m trouble for anyone. 

“I don’t do much studying of them. I watch a couple of clips, but my dad is the mastermind of the way I figure fighters out. 

“He watches them until he knows what way they tie their laces. I wouldn’t be the fighter I am today without him,” he said.  

The Welsh Canelo made his professional debut in September 2019 when he won every round against Liam Griffiths at LC2 Swansea. His only stoppage win to date came against Croatian Frane Radnic at Chepstow Racecourse, where he had his opponent down three times. 

The background of the 23-year-old’s nickname comes from his days over in America, he said: “I had the nickname the Welsh Canelo from being out in LA, I had a Mexican guy scream from the other side of the gym, Canelo as I turned round he said Dahm man I thought you was him. 

“Then he watched me spar and said I even box like him, so I kinda took it and ran with it, now it’s stuck, what a name to be given.

“I’d love to fight Canelo, the Welsh Canelo, against the Mexican one,” he stated.

Withers is highly talked about in the domestic boxing scene, and when asked what sets him apart from other fighters and what 2024 has in store he said: “I think what sets me apart from other fighters is my speed and movement, boxers at my weight are often slow and flat-footed, but I’m lucky.

“I’ve took my fast feet from my amateur style into my pro style. 

“My plan for 2024 is that I get as active as I can, I have three fights lined up now, my second one being in Denmark on a big show and the 3rd in the O2. 

“I have my eyes on a title fight in September, so I’m ready for anything that comes my way,” he concluded. 

Words by Harry Tovey

The current Welsh Lightweight Champion Rashid Omar (5-0) returns to in-ring action as he goes head-to-head with Mexican Christian Lopez Flores (14-37-2) this Saturday at MECA, Regent Circus, Swindon.

This will also be the 34-year-old’s first outing since signing with Neilson Boxing, where the promotional company stated: “We have some big plans for Rashid”, but first he must deal with a tough opponent Saturday, where his journey with Neilson Boxing begins.

Speaking to Rashid ahead of his fight, he said: “Training has been going well as always, as for training camps, I don’t like to use the term as I train all year round, but I do pick it up when I’ve got fights coming up. 

“As for training, it’s just become a part of me. I train every day, and it’s become a routine that keeps me going physically fit with staying ready in case any fights come, so that’s where I get my motivation and focus.”

In the Battle of Undefeated, the 34-year-old was set to face Ahmad Hatim (8-0) inside Bethnal Green’s York Hall at the beginning of March, but the fight never happened. When looking at future opponents, Omar insisted: “I’d like to fight Ahmad Hatim as he’s been talking shit, so I’d like to shut him up, and then I would like to fight anyone ranked above me.

“All those have targets on their backs in my eyes.”    

Brickfists’ opponent for Saturday has already fought twice this year against Ziyad Almaayouf on the undercard of Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou and Jake Clarke last time out, and saw the final bell on both occasions. In fact, the last time the Mexican was stopped was in May last year when he lost to Danny Quartermaine.  

On his opponent, Omar said: “I’m not expecting a lot from my opponent, to be honest, his nickname is the Wasp, my teammate fought him a couple of weeks ago, and all he did was jab and run away, so I’m expecting to be chasing him all night.

Rashid made his professional debut in June 2022, and in his fourth professional fight, he defeated Conor McIntosh for the Welsh lightweight Championship at the Vale Sports Arena. 

When asked about his most memorable moment in his professional career so far, he said: “If we’re talking memorable moments, it would have to be the Welsh title fight against Conor McIntosh in Cardiff, winning in front of my hometown.

“But I would rather be talking about what’s to come in my future because the past is the past it’s done.

This will be his first outing of the year, and when asked about what he wants to achieve this year, he stated: “I will see what’s out there, and I’m different to other fighters as I’m trying to get 50/50 fights out here and not to be fighting journeymen for an easy ride. 

“I don’t think I’m better than anyone. I just want to be out there testing myself to see how good I am.

“I would like at least five fights this year and definitely want to be pushing for Commonwealth and British titles, which is what I am aiming for. 

“That’s the game plan,” he concluded.

Words By Harry Tovey

The last time Carmarthen Quins visited the Cardiff Arms Park was back in December 2022 when it finished 82-0 to The Blue and Blacks, that scoreline looked to be heading in the same direction on this occasion.

First-half tries from Alun Rees, Morgan Allen, Harrison James, and two from both Dewi Cross and Luke Pollock saw The Blue and Blacks end a very much one-sided opening 40 with a 49-0 lead.

It didn’t last there as Luke Pollock secured himself a hat-trick with a second half try and was accompanied by tries from Harri Wilde, Tom Rice, and Joe Williams, saw The Blue and Blacks comfortably put aside Carmarthen Quins 77-7 at the Cardiff Arms Park. 

On the seven-minute mark, Dewi Cross broke the deadlock after intercepting and ran in from 50 metres to cross over for the afternoon’s first try.

The Quins had an opportunity to reduce the deficit moments later as referee Dewi Phillips awarded the visitors a penalty after The Blue and Blacks were penalised for being offside. However, outside half Harri Williams could not convert as his shot diverted wide. 

Cardiff went hunting for their second, and after taking the ball quickly from the ruck, Luke Pollock broke through the visitor’s defence and crossed over for his seventh of the season. It went from bad to worse for the Quins as Rhodri Wall was awarded a yellow card after tackling Luke Pollock off the ball. 

Harrison James put Cardiff on the front foot with the player advantage with a brilliant kick into the corner. After successfully regathering at the lineout, a powerful driving maul followed, and Alun Rees crossed over for the host’s third and his ninth of the season. 

With it seemingly being one-way traffic in the 23rd minute and after an overthrow, Alun Rees gathered and offloaded to Nathan Hudd. Hudd then popped it up to skipper Morgan Allen who crossed the whitewash and in doing so secured The Blue and Blacks a bonus point.

Dewi Cross was involved in making The Blue and Black’s fourth after running from inside his own 22, the winger just fell short of the visitor’s line. With the ball being knocked backwards, it played into the hands of Luke Pollock, who crossed over for his second of the match.

The onslaught of pressure didn’t finish as Player of The Match Matty Young broke through The Quins defence and offloaded to Dewi Cross who crossed for his second of the match.   

On the stroke of halftime, ill-discipline cost The Quins as after being penalised for not releasing, Harrison James ended a dominant opening 40 with a try after a quick show and go. 

HT: Cardiff 49-0 Carmarthen Quins

The visitors started the second half the better but could not convert their chances into points as The Blue and Black’s defence was solid and well disciplined. This soon paid off as on the 54-minute mark, Harri Wilde was the next to cross the whitewash after continuous pressure on The Quins defence.  

Two minutes later, Dewi Cross broke through the visitor’s defence again and offloaded to Joe Williams after drawing the defenders, who crossed over for his fifth try of the season.

After an hour of non-stop pressure and action from The Blue and Blacks, Iestyn Wood crossed the whitewash after taking it quickly at the ruck to score the visitor’s first try of the afternoon. 

Going into the final ten minutes, the hosts found themselves yet again five metres out from The Quins line and after a massive drive at the scrum to turn the ball over, Tom Rice, on his return, crossed for The Blue and Black’s tenth. 

With the clock nearly in the red, Luke Pollock crossed over for his third of the match after powering his way through The Quin’s defence, which finished a very much one-sided affair at the Cardiff Arms Park.

FT: Cardiff 77-7 Carmarthen Quins

Words By Harry Tovey

The Blue and Blacks will aim to increase their chances of a playoff spot as they take on the Quins this Saturday at the Cardiff Arms Park after just two weeks since their last meeting.

The Blue and Blacks put aside Aberavon 28-13 last time out and recorded their first away win against the Wizards since 2018.

Cardiff were made to work as they found themselves 13-0 behind with 39 minutes on the clock however, a brace from Dewi Cross and tries from Alun Rees and a late try from Arron Pinches secured The Blue and Blacks another bonus point win.

The visitors for Saturday come into the encounter with a 22-20 win over Pontypridd, where Quins fly-half Charlie Titcombe held his nerve after converting a late penalty.

Out of their last ten games the Quins have only won four times, these came against Bridgend Ravens, Pontypool, Aberavon and Pontypridd. 

The last time these two met, the Quins pushed Cardiff all the way as tries from Morgan Allen and two from Alun Rees secured The Blue and Blacks their first win after three loses on the bounce. However, outside-half Harri Williams converted a late penalty which secured the Quins a losing bonus point.

The Quins last travelled to the Arms Park back in December 2022 where they lost 82-0. That day saw Harri Millard score a hatrick, a brace from Will Keep and tries from Efan Daniel, Nathan Hudd, Dan Fish, Dewi Cross, Cameron Winnett, Ellis Thomas and Jacob Lloyd. 

In fact you have to go back to April 2016 when the Quins last recorded a win against The Blue and Blacks at the Arms Park. 

Team News 

Steve Law makes numerous changes as Rhys Barratt comes back into the starting XV for the first time since that 38-33 win over the Bridgend Ravens and replaces Cam TylerGrocott at loose-head. At tighthead Adam Williams gets his first start of 2024 as he replaces Freddie Barnes. 

Ethan Phillips comes back into the second row as Craig Hudd switches back onto the blind-side in replacement of Lucas de la Rua. After not playing last time out Morgan Allen returns and captains the side from eight.  

Within the halfbacks both Joe Williams and Harrison James replaces

Tom Habberfield and Arwel Robson, whereas Dewi Cross relocates back onto the wing as Matty Young starts at fullback. James Beal switches wings and replaces Jason Harries. 

Tom Rice could potentially make his return since he came off injured at the Gnoll back in January from the bench.

Cardiff Lineup: 

15 Matty Young

14 Dewi Cross

13 Luke Pollock

12 Arron Pinches

11 James Beal

10 Harrison James

9 Joe Williams

1 Rhys Barratt

2 Alun Rees

3 Adam Williams

4 Sean Moore

5 Ethan Phillips

6 Craig Hudd

7 Nathan Hudd

8 Morgan Allen (C)

Replacements:

16 Gavin Parry

17 Cam TylerGrocott

18 Christian Brooke

19 Evan Rees

20 Tom Rice

21 Tom Habberfield

22 Harri Wilde

23 Kodie Stone

Words By Harry Tovey

Top of the bill at the Vale Sports Arena on Saturday, June 1st, features Newport’s Ryan Pocock (5-1) taking on orthodox fighter Ethan George (5-1) for the Welsh super middleweight title over 10 rounds.

It is a typical Welsh super middleweight fight; both men are ready for that next step, both have identical records, and its East vs West Wales.

Pocock, suffered a perforated eardrum in a sparring session which forced the fight to move from its original date of March 2nd where it seemed George would still fight on.

However, the man from Llanelli proceeded not to fight on the March 2nd card which was headlined by Conor McIntosh as event organisers Sanigar worked towards a new date for this 50/50 title fight.  

In the last 30 years, only two Welsh super middleweight Champions have been made.

May 5th 1995 at Brangwyn Hall, Swansea on the undercard of Floyd Havard’s super featherweight British title fight, Darron Griffiths (Pontypridd) put aside Wayne Ellis to become the first ever super middleweight Welsh Champion. 

Griffiths later moved up to cruiserweight and became a multiple weight Welsh Champion after knocking out Tim Redman in the seventh round.

18 years after the first champion, Tobias Webb (Swansea) won the prestigious belt at the Oceana after Lewis Patterson retired in the fourth. 

There was a lot of confusion involved as referee Wynford Jones incorrectly called the contest a technical draw, but Board inspector Ron Pavett declared Webb the winner after a discussion at ringside. 

In October 2021, Pocock made his professional debut where he got brutally stopped by Keoron Thomas in the very first round. Since then the 34-year-old has won five on the bounce and has one stoppage win over Steve Davies. 

The man from Llanelli comes into the fight on the back of a stoppage win over southpaw Alex Branson-Cole at the famous York Hall. George made his first outing as a pro just over a month after his opponent for June 1st, where he won every single round against Vasif Mamedov. 

This is the type of evenly matched domestic showdowns that have not been a constent in professional boxing in Wales and hopefully this is the kick start for many more Welsh title fights in 2024.

Words By Harry Tovey