BOXING: Ring king Kris to defend British Masters title next month

Feb 4 2011 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

BATTLING Buddie Kris Carslaw is to make a welcome return to the ring next month in the first defence of his British Masters light-middleweight title.

Carslaw, 26, right, will defend his belt against Willie Thompson of Northern Ireland at Scotstoun Leisure Centre on Saturday, March 5.

It will be Carslaw’s first fight since he claimed the British Masters title in November.

On that occasion, he defeated ‘Brummie’ bruiser Terry Carruthers, stretching his winning streak to 12. The light-middleweight star put on a devastating show of force at Scotstoun to wipe out his opponent and claim his first ever professional title after three rounds.

And Carslaw’s promoter Chris Gilmour reckons a victory over Thompson next month could catapult the Paisley scrapper to full British title contention.

Gilmour said: “Carruthers was a big test for Kris and a lot of people in the game actually fancied him to win the title.

“But Kris really rose to the occasion and put on a phenomenal performance to take Carruthers out in three rounds.

“It was a great victory for him and proved that he is starting to mature from an up-and-coming prospect into a real major title contender.

“Thompson will be another test for Kris because he has fought in much better company in the past, against the likes of former WBO title challenger Michael Jennings and Ashley Theophane, who will challenge for the British title later this month.

“If Kris can do a number on Thompson, then it will prove that he is ready to take that step up into top-class title contention.”

Tickets go on sale today and are priced at £40 (reserved seating) and £30 (unreserved seating) and are available on 0141 810 5700.