Marston “Calls In The Big Guns” To Prepare For Sept 11th Showdown With Cooper
Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro
London’s Marianne ‘Golden Girl’ Marston clearly isn’t prepared to leave anything to chance as she prepares for her showdown with the highly experienced Welsh battler Lana Cooper at the Steve Goodwin promoted ‘It’s Personal’ event at York Hall, Bethnal Green, London on Saturday the 11th September 2010.
Marianne, who is trained by Derek Grainger at the Ultrachem TKO Gym in Canning Town, has secured world class sparring, from Great Britain’s top Lightweight Ruth Raper, who is the bookies favourite to secure a medal at the 2012 London Olympics, to help prepare her for her big night.
Following their first sparring session, at the Ultrachem TKO Gym, Marianne said, “I couldn’t believe my luck, when Derek (Grainger) said that he had Ruth coming to spar me. We had been having difficulty finding any female sparring. We had even advertised for sparring partners.
Up to now I have been sparring with George ( Featherweight George Jupp), well not so much sparring but moving around, with him mirroring Lana’s style and stance. That’s the problem with trying to spar with the guys here, they’re all Gentlemen and can’t bring themselves to hit a girl.
Now Ruth on the other hand, she really gave me a proper sparring session. It was seriously good. That girl’s a talent, the last time I had to work that hard was back in Philly against the seriously talented Faatimah Balmer.
Ruth’s a couple weights heavier than me, but that doesn’t bother me. I’m used to sparring heavier girls. In fact out of all the sparring I did, both in America and since being back in London, they’ve all been way heavier than me except Christina Leadbeater who was the same weight class as me.
I thoroughly enjoyed sparring Ruth, she’s slick and classy. We only did four rounds this time, I felt I could have done another four, I was really enjoying it.
It took me a little time to get my distances right, I was rushing things too much at first, but got a good rhythm going once I settled down. It was a great session and I can’t wait for our next.
I have to also say that it really helps having Derek in my corner. I’m learning so much from him. He gives me so much confidence and self belief.
Derek gives such clear instruction, he doesn’t just explain what he wants me to do but what the results are likely to be. He was a great fighter and is without doubt one of the best coaches around.
Lastly I have to say that sparring exceptional boxers like Ruth, Faatimah, Christina and Angel McKenzie, who I sparred a few times last year, brings out the best in me. I love to be challenged and mixing it up with the girl that is likely to win a medal at the London Olympics is the best preparation I could ask for.”
Marianne ‘Golden Girl’ Marston versus Lana Cooper will be on Saturday 11th September 2010 as part of the Steve Goodwin promoted ‘It’s Personal’ event at York Hall, Bethnal Green, London.
Headlining Goodwin Promotions ‘It’s Personal’ event, York Hall, Bethnal Green, London on Saturday the 11th September 2010, will be former English Super Featherweight Champion Ryan Barrett versus Mark ‘The Flash’ Alexander, for the vacant International Masters Lightweight title.
Co-feature on the 11th September sees Ultrachem TKO’s unbeaten Light Middleweight prospect Pat McAleese against the ultra tough Lee Noble. This fight also suits the event’s ‘It’s Personal’ billing as there’s no love lost between McAleese and Noble either.
Expect fireworks as both boxers battle it out for The British Masters Light Middleweight title as earlier this year they battled it out on a Ricky Hatton Promotions show, the result then – a draw! Nuff said.
Rising Light Middleweight star Erick ‘The Eagle Ochieng, who recently defeated Curtis Valentine in the battle of the undefeated, is looking to extend his unblemished record against Brummy hardman Dee Mitchell.
Another Light Middleweight prospect, Michael Norgrove, also looks to extend his perfect record. Norgrove, whose record ot 2-0, has his hardest test to date when he faces Finchley’s Ian Eldridge.
Welterweight John Wayne Hibbert, who also has a perfect unbeaten record, is set to face his sternest test to date when he faces the experienced brawler Kevin McAuley from Halesowen.
Ultrachem TKO’s exceptional Featherweight discovery, 19 year old George Jupp, is set for his second career fight against the highly experienced Latvian Pavels Senkovs.
Unbeaten prospect Tony “The Conqueror” Conquest is set to face one of the most experienced Cruserweight’s around, Hastings Rasani, who has fought the best the division has offered over the years, David ‘Hayemaker’ Haye, Troy Ross, Bruce ‘Lionheart’ Scott, Terry Dunston, Mark Krence, Tony Bellew, Dean Francis.. and the list just goes on. This is no easy fight for Conquest, who will need to be right on his game.
Another Ultrachem TKO Gym discovery, Portsmouth’s Light Heavyweight Joel McIntyre, the protégé of WBU Light Heavyweight World Champion Tony ‘Oakey Kokey’ Oakey, will be making his highly anticipated professional debut. Joel will be facing Welsh banger Jamie Ambler.
Super Middleweight Eder Kurti will be looking to maintain his six fight winning streak against Sabie Monteith.
Bethnal Green’s highly popular Light Welterweight Jamie Arlain is set to explode on the professional scene. Arlain will be facing Bulgarian Danny Dontchev.
Exciting Welterweight prospect Phil Gill aka “The Phil Gill Experience” looks to continue his unbeaten record against the experienced Sid Razak.
Also at Welterweight Bobby Gladman, who has a perfect 6-0 record is set for a four round contest against a yet to be named opponent.
Tickets for ‘It’s Personal’ at the York Hall, Bethnal Green, London on Saturday 11th September 2010 are priced £35 (Unreserved) or £60 (Ringside).
For tickets call: 07960 850645, book on-line at www.tickets.justlisten2this.com or in person at The Ultrachem TKO Gym, Gillian House, Stephenson Street, Canning Town, London E16 4SA.
