Frank Maloney has confirmed that Ashley Theophane will defend his British light-welterweight title against Darren Hamilton on Saturday night.
Journeyman steps in at short notice to face Theophane
Frank Maloney has confirmed that Ashley Theophane will defend his British light-welterweight title against Darren Hamilton on Saturday night.
Theophane was due to fight popular Liverpudlian Steve Williams, who was forced to withdraw earlier this week with a chest infection.
Maloney was hoping that former Prizefighter winner Adil Anwar would step up from the undercard to take on Theophane, but the champion refused that option.
"I wanted to make Ashley against Adil, which would have been a tremendous fight," said Maloney.
"Unfortunately Ashley didn't want it and although that is disappointing I cannot force him into a fight.
"He will fight Darren who won't make it easy in his quest to win a Lonsdale belt and I am sure fans will see a good contest.
"Darren was in training for a Southern Area title defence, and deserves a lot of credit for stepping up to the plate."
Hamilton is no back number despite his advancing years, beating the useful John Watson only last month.
David Price and Sam Sexton headline the first ever boxing night at Aintree Racecourse in their British and Commonwealth heavyweight title clash.
Anwar will instead fight Dave Ryan, while the second big supporting fight sees former sparring partners
Paul Edwards and Kevin Satchell battle it out for the Commonwealth flyweight title.
Unbeaten Prizefighter Travis Dickinson was due to take on Bob Ajisafe for the English light-heavyweight title, but the latter withdrew on Wednesday with a sprained wrist.
