Broad challenge for Haskins

Maloney: Frank views on Broadhurst

Broadhurst has looked good so far, but I doubt the quality of certain opponents, and this is a huge step up for him

Frank Maloney
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British super-flyweight champion Lee Haskins will meet Commonwealth counterpart Don Broadhurst on Friday December 11.

The two fighters will both put their titles on the line at Newport Leisure Centre in a domestic dust-up being dubbed 'the battle of the little big men'.

Southpaw Haskins, who comes from Bristol, claimed the British belt with a unanimous points win over Andy Bell last November and has won 19 of his 21 contests as a professional.

However he is likely to start as the underdog against Birmingham boxer Broadhurst, who has an unbeaten 11-fight record.

Quality

"There is a lot at stake here for both fighters with the winner becoming a double champion," Frank Maloney, who promotes Haskins, said.

"Broadhurst has looked good so far, but I doubt the quality of certain opponents, and this is a huge step up for him.

"That is not a criticism and I don't want certain people around him getting touchy. It is just an observation and if he did manage to beat Haskins, I'll be the first to say he is for real."

Broadhurst - who has won his last two title defences inside the distance - is adamant he will return home with the spoils.

"I think I have too much all-round ability for Haskins," he stated. "He has a distinctive style but he doesn't know how to fight inside. He has never learned the tricks."

Also on the bill will be heavyweight prospect David Price. The Olympic bronze medallist will be looking to record a fourth straight victory since turning pro against an opponent who is yet to be announced.

"David has had a topsy-turvy time since his Olympic success, but this time next year he will not be far from his first title challenge," added a confident Maloney.