Anderson puts credentials on line against US

Published on Tuesday 19 August 2008 10:42

UNBEATEN Capital super-middleweight Kenny Anderson will face his stiffest test as a boxing professional when he clashes with American Antonio Baker at London's Grosvenor Hotel on September 27.

The fight will be part of the Great Britain v US tournament promoted by Frank Warren.

Claimed Anderson: "Antonio Baker is a cut above all my previous opponents I've fought in the paid ranks.

"Baker not only went the distance with unbeaten Welsh boxer Nathan Cleverly over eight rounds in Las Vegas, but has also fought guys like world-rated American Jermaine Taylor so it will be a real feather in my cap if I can do what Cleverly failed to do and stop Baker inside the distance.

"Baker is exactly the kind of guy I have to beat to establish my credentials to eventually challenge for the British 12-stone title.

"After the Baker fight I'll be back in action at Paisley on October 4 against a selected opponent so I'm now in full training for these bouts."

Meanwhile, another unbeaten super-middleweight contender, Steve McGuire, from Glenrothes, is being tipped to become the first Scottish boxer to win the British super-middleweight title and the Lonsdale Belt.

McGuire clashes with defending champion, Englishman Carl Froch, next January and his father and coach, Steve senior, is upbeat about his son's chances.

He said: "I've watched and studied Carl Froch at ringside since he was an 18-year-old in the world amateur boxing championships. I know his weaknesses and I'll be working with my son on how to exploit these when they fight for Froch's title."

Meanwhile, McGuire junior commented: "I've recovered from my broken right hand and aim to have a couple of warm-up bouts between now and January. Froch's been a good champion but I reckon my time to succeed him will come in January."