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Clear the way

Dave Lawrenson
24/11/2005

SWINTON boxer Darren Cleary is looking to move a step closer to a British title fight by beating top London prospect Matthew Marsh in his own backyard.

The 25-year-old bantamweight has been promised a British title fight next year.

But Cleary must first overcome big name promoter Frank Warren's former ABA champion Marsh on the undercard of the battle of British beef between Danny Williams and Audley Harrison on Saturday, December 10.

Salford's first ever world champion Steve Foster Junior is tipping Cleary to do just that.

He trains with Cleary at Oliver's Gym in Pendleton and has also trained with Marsh down south.

So who better to ask for a prediction on the four-rounder?

Foster Junior, who has agreed to fight Romanian Marian Leandraliu on the same show, said: "I'm convinced Darren can cause an upset.

"He's been sparring with me and he's looking in great shape. If he keeps his focus right he's got a great chance of winning."

Former Moorside High School pupil Cleary took up boxing at the age of 16.

He turned professional five years later and has won five of his 12 pro fights to date.

Cleary, who is managed by Foster Junior's dad Steve 'The Viking' Foster, said: "I have suffered from taking fights at very short notice in the past.

"I have always been willing to fight anyone at the drop of a hat and my record isn't the best as a result.

"But I've never been stopped. I've had a few draws and lost a few fights on points and I'm better than my record suggests.

"My trainer and my manager have said that I will have a British title fight next year and I feel ready to fight at that level.

"But I must first beat Matthew Marsh and I'm very confident of doing that."