Toowoomba’s reigning Commonwealth Welterweight Champion Kris George is set to make his first title defence in Leeds on June 24 on a card promoted by Frank Warren.
Warren, one of the UK’s biggest promoters and renowned across the World won the purse bid to host the mandatory title defence between champion George and mandatory challenger Larry Ekundayo.
“Around midnight (Australian time) last night I received confirmation from the Commonwealth Boxing Council, Mr Frank Warren had won the purse bid to host this huge fight,” George’s Manager Brendon Smith said.
“I was very proud to promote the Commonwealth title here in Toowoomba for Kris to become champion and now I’m very proud to be able to help Kris score big exposure on the other side of the world.
“Kris now gets the chance to fight in the home land of the Commonwealth defending the Commonwealth title.
“This is very good news for him.
“Kris continues the tradition of Toowoomba fighter’s flying he local flag all over the World.
“Toowoomba is well known and respected in the fight game in the UK because of the deeds of Michael Katsidis.
“Kris George now has his chance to leave his mark.”
It’s another huge challenge for Kris George and once again a case of deja vu. Larry Ekundayo, based in London, is undefeated in twelve fights and is the mandatory challenger to George’s title.
Kris George has an impeccable record against undefeated fighters.
Cameron Hammond, Bowyn Morgan and Ozan Craddock were all undefeated until meeting the silencer.
George hopes Larry Ekundayo suffers same fate on June 24.
“This is a huge opportunity for me, ” George said.
“Thank you to my manager Brendon Smith, who has worked very hard behind the scenes to make this bout happen.
“I’m thrilled to get the opportunity to fight in England.
“I’ve always said I want the big fights, I want the big challenges.
“This bout fits the bill.
“Larry Ekundayo is the mandatory challenger for a reason – he’s a quality fighter.
“I can’t wait to get to England and defend my Commonwealth title.
“The plan is leave Australia as the Commonwealth champion and return to Australia as the Commonwealth champion.”