McIntyre given title chance

Former champion installed as Brook's mandatory challenger

Last updated: 10th July 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

McIntyre given title chance

McIntyre: aims to put injury problems behind him

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Kevin McIntyre has been installed as the mandatory challenger for the British welterweight title.

The Paisley fighter was stripped of the same title in June after a back injury forced him to pull out of two scheduled contests against Kell Brook.

Brook went on to claim the vacant belt with a seventh-round stoppage of Barrie Jones, but the British Board of Boxing Control has now approved McIntyre's plea to be given another opportunity - provided he produces medical evidence within a week that his back problems are cured.

"I feel as if I still am the champion as I never lost my title in the ring, although I might go into the fight against Brook with more of a challenger's mindset," said McIntyre.

"Brook boxed well when he won the title against Jones, but he is still a relative novice in terms of championship rounds.

"We will see how Brook copes against a championship fighter who has experience over 12 rounds.

"It was a huge weight off my mind when I was told I had been made the mandatory challenger as it means that things are back in my own hands again.

"I am still only two wins away from winning the Lonsdale Belt outright.

"This is the fifth week since I started back training so there will be no problem in proving my fitness to the board."

An August 13 deadline has been set for purse bids, with the contest to take place before the end of November.

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