12:54pm Saturday 9th January 2010
By Tony Kelly
A PRIZED all-Yorkshire clash between York’s Graham Fearn and Driffield’s former professional footballer Curtis Woodhouse has been KO’d.
Negotiations to pitch Fearn, York’s most senior rookie at the age of 35, against Woodhouse for a British Masters National light-welterweight title next month fell through.
Fearn did not want to comment on the breakdown of the talks save to declare to The Press: “I gave up my amateur status two years ago.”
But he did add that he would willingly take on Woodhouse – the one-time Sheffield United, Birmingham City and England Under-21 midfielder – at a moment’s notice provided the right terms were agreed.
Said Fearn, who was initially offered the chance to take on Woodhouse just before Christmas: “We held talks over the holiday period but I’ll just say that negotiations broke down, which was a pity.
“But if all the terms were right I would love to fight Curtis Woodhouse. I would definitely box him tomorrow if that was the case.
“You never know, it could be a fight that could go on in the future if we can agree the right conditions.”
Fearn is now back in full training after the festive break and is waiting to see what other offers come in as he bids to improve on his record of five wins from eight contests since turning professional at the age of 33.
The York ace confirmed that Woodhouse, who began his footballing career at York City’s Centre of Excellence in his early teens before moving to Sheffield United, will now meet Jay Morris at the Magna Centre in Rotherham on February 28.
It will be a grudge clash as Morris is the only man to have beaten Woodhouse in 12 professional contests, that first defeat inflicted in Belfast nine months ago.
Said Woodhouse: “People are talking about this fight as a revenge mission because he’s the only guy to have beaten me.
“And they’re right. I do want revenge and, with a belt up for grabs, there is a lot at stake.
“It will be a tough fight but I’m confident I can beat him.”
Currently playing football for Harrogate Town in the Blue Square North, Woodhouse said the fact he will fight for a title was evidence that he should be taken seriously as a boxer.
He added: “When I decided to get into boxing people thought I would have a couple of fights and then cry off with my tail between my legs.
“Three years on, I’m still here and as hungry as ever.”
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