FIGHTING TALK AHEAD OF KICKmas BELLS

Despite six weeks of tough talking, Gary Noade’s challenger for his WKN Welterweight world title has pulled out of their December clash.
Noade was due to meet Scot Douglas Morrison at the Kickmas Box in the Ulster Hall on December 22. It was to be rematch following Noade’s shock defeat to the young challenger in September. But now, Morrison, who had said Noade “would be lucky” to waken up for Christmas” has made a shock about-turn with work commitments blamed. And Noade is furious.

“I thought he was a warrior, but obviously he’s not,” said Noade. “If the situation had have been reversed and I had caught him cold with a lucky punch, of course I would have given him a rematch. A win like that proves nothing. I’m very, very disappointed with him. I thought he was a fighter, now I’m not sure what he is. I will say here and now that I will fight him anywhere at anytime. When it comes the time to go to war, I’m ready.”
Noade’s camp are now seeking an alternative fighter.
“There are two names in the frame,” coach Billy Murray said. “Both of them are world title contenders. We are not going to announce anything more until contracts are sealed. Gary is obviously very disappointed at the way Morrison has acted over this. But that’s the fight game – he has to focus now on the event and get ready for a new challenger.”
The December 22 event, billed as a festive feast of fist and feet, will see Noade share top billing with Belfast’s other world champion Gary Hamilton. Rising stars such as ‘Belfast Express’ Andrew Grimason and Lydia ‘Pocket Dragon’ Braniff will also take to the ring.
Tickets, £15 - £25 ringside, are available through ProKick and affiliated gyms, or by calling 02890651074. They are also available from the Ulster Hall box office 02890 323900.