Marsh made to work for title he tossed away

SUPER-BANTAMWEIGHT Matthew Marsh faces an eliminator before he can fight for the British title he tossed aside less than six months ago, when he meets Josh 'The Outlaw' Wale on the September 18 Matchroom show at York Hall, Bethnal Green.

Newham-based Marsh, beaten just once in his 12-fight pro campaign, meets the Barnsley fighter in a 10-round clash for the vacant English super-bantamweight title, with the winner going forward to challenge for the British belt.

It was the British title that former West Ham BC amateur star Marsh claimed last year with an impressive points victory over Esham Pickering, followed by a successful defence against close rival Rocky Dean.

He was due to make his second defence against northern star Mark Moran in April at Leigh, Lancashire, but the champion suddenly announced his decision to retire from the ring and pulled out of the contest.

Nottingham veteran Jason Booth stepped in as a late replacement against Moran for the vacant title, and caused an upset by stopping his rival with a cut eye in six rounds.

Booth is booked for a tough defence against northern challenger Michael Hunter in Sunderland on October 9.

However, 27-year-old Marsh's retirement lasted around six weeks before he was back at the Ultrachem TKO Gym under his usual trainer, Johnny Eames.

But the little break dealt a big blow to his pocket, and now Marsh must first defeat his Yorkshire rival to clinch the vacant English title, before getting the chance to reclaim his former British crown.

Marsh admitted: "I'm a little disappointed that I have to go back down to English title level, but a title is a title and I'll be glad to add it to my CV.

"That's not taking anything away from Josh Wale, I'm sure he's more than capable and everyone deserves respect.

"But I am very confident of a win at York Hall and then, whoever holds the Lonsdale belt will be next on my list," vowed Marsh.