FORMER British title challenger Ross Burkinshaw gets an unexpected but welcome return to the big time on Saturday September 6 when he faces Jason Cunningham for the Commonwealth bantamweight title at the Doncaster Dome.
In a terrific all-Yorkshire battle, Sheffieldโs Burkinshaw steps in against home-town man Cunningham after original opponent, and former champion, Martin Ward was forced to withdraw at late notice with a chest infection.
โIโm delighted to get Ross this opportunity,โ explained promoter, and Burkinshawโs manager, Dennis Hobson.ย โHe has been working really hard with trainer Ryan Rhodes and is looking in fantastic shape.
โItโs unfortunate that Martin had to pull out, but heโs been chivalrous and vacated his title with the guarantee that heโll face the winner between Ross and Jason.
โThis is a fantastic fight.ย I think Jason will be the favourite heading into the contest but Ross knows this is his big chance to get back into the mix.โ
Cunningham is undefeated in 12, with four KOs, and has picked up rave reviews since turning over in 2011.ย The 24-year-old was confident of causing an upset against Ward, and will be sure he can do a number on Burkinshaw.
Ross, who lost a British super-flyweight challenge to Bristolโs Lee Haskins in 2009, is the more experienced man and has been in terrific form, winning his last three fights โ two by KO โ since teaming up with Rhodes.
โIn 20 years of boxing this opportunity has come at the best time for me,โ said Burkinshaw.ย โIโve never felt better.ย Iโm in the best shape of my life and I train like every fight is a world title.
โI donโt know much about Jason, except that heโs a good kid.ย But heโs never been in with Rossโ The Bossโ and Iโm going there to win.โ
โThis is Jasonโs toughest fight yet,โ stated Cunninghamโs trainer and manager, Steffy Bull.ย โRoss has only lost to the best and heโs in great form since training with Ryan.
โI think itโs 50-50 and will be a top fight, but Iโm backing my man Jason to come through.ย I know Ross and Ryan well and am looking forward to sharing a drink with them afterwards.
โThe show is close to a sell-out but there should be a few tickets left direct from the Dome.โ