Lindsay to take on Appleby
10 December 2008 – By Mark Doyle
British featherweight champion Paul Appleby will defend his title against Martin Lindsay in a potential classic in Belfast’s Ulster Hall on March 7 and it will be shown LIVE on Setanta Sports.
Appleby, who is just 21, claimed the belt with a unanimous points win over John Simpson in June, before making a successful defence against Esham Pickering last month.
Meanwhile, Lindsay, who, like Appleby, is undefeated, established himself as a rising star in the division with a stunning knockout of Derry Mathews in September.
That victory earned the 26-year-old from Belfast a crack at Appleby and he is thrilled by the news that their bout will take place in his native city.
It wouldnt matter who was holding the title I want that belt, Lindsay declared.
Applebys a good young fighter with lots of ability, but nobody is standing in my way of winning the British title.
Whenever you turn pro, you want to be fighting for the British title, the European title and even bigger titles. You want to be involved in big fights that get people talking. Whats the point in hanging around? I want to get in there and test myself find out how good I am.
Adam Booth, director of Hayemaker Promotions, believes that the bout could prove one of the fights of 2009
Its a brilliant fight. Appleby and Lindsay are two of the best prospects in this country and they are getting it on at a time in their careers when many other young fighters would shy away from the fight, he enthused.
Applebys a great talent but, ultimately, I feel Lindsays better amateur pedigree and more patient counter-punching will win him the British title. I can see Martin stopping Appleby in the later rounds.
