By Ian Aldous: It was an absorbing encounter between two undefeated fighters that ended, controversially for some, in a draw. And on February 22nd a rematch takes place to settle the score. No, I’m not talking about Wilder/Fury 2 – London’s famous York Hall is the venue for the eagerly anticipated Foster/Reid 2.
Lichfield’s Brad Foster (11-0-2) will once again put his British and Commonwealth titles on the line against London’s Lucien Reid (8-0-2). Foster was on a red-hot streak going into their September 14th bout having picked up the Midlands Area, British and Commonwealth titles in three consecutive fights. However, up against Reid, he was brought back down to earth. Twenty-six-year-old Reid impressed hugely for his first legitimate step up in competition.
The fight was declared a majority draw despite most, but not all, observers believing a new double champion should have been crowned. Reid was visibly upset and will justly get another shot at the gold this Saturday night. Expect another close, competitive championship contest on BT Sport serving as somewhat of a pre-show taster to the Wilder/Fury 2 PPV extravaganza on BT Sport Box Office.
The full York Hall show will be broadcast on BT Sport from 8 pm with the featured fights also shown on ITV from 10:15 pm.
The co-featured contest is an eliminator for a shot at the British super-middleweight title between the undefeated Welshman, Kody Davies (10-0) and Umar Sadiq (9-1). Big things are expected of Davies, but Sadiq will be far from a soft touch, especially with a British title opportunity at stake.
Highlighting the undercard action is the undefeated super-bantamweight prospect, Dennis McCann (5-0). The nineteen-year-old has been on a tear so far as a pro and is gaining more admirers every time he competes and wins. His intensity and accuracy give any opponent of his absolute nightmares.
Also on the undercard, 2016 Olympian, Muhammad Ali (0-0) will make his professional debut at bantamweight. He is another excellent amateur that will be guided by Hall-Of-Fame promoter, Frank Warren.
Scotland’s former amateur World champion, Willy Hutchinson (10-0) continues his rise through the ranks with a keep-busy fight on the show. The twenty-one-year-old is expected to reach the highest level within the professional game having achieved a world title in the unpaid ranks.
A host of undefeated prospects round out the card including, Louie Lynn (5-0) and Ryan Garner (8-0).