Boxing News of Saturday, 26 June 2004

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Ossie Duran Fights For C'wealth Title

BRITISH and Commonwealth light-middleweight champion Jamie Moore will be hearing more than just the bell in the ring in the forthcoming weeks.

The Salford ace defends his commonwealth crown against Ghanaian Ossie Duran at King?s Hall, Belfast on Saturday - just two weeks before he marries fiancee Collene.

It promises to be a hectic couple of weeks for Moore, who has the small matter of a trip to Las Vegas with promoter Barry Hearn and fellow fighter Michael Brodie to fit in between the two dates.

"Barry said he would take me and Mike on a bit of a stag do," said Moore, who takes on the Chelmsford-based 27-year-old in his fourth defence of the belt. "I?m pretty busy at the moment but I?m completely focussed on the fight."

Moore only found out who he was challenging on Friday, but he won?t be taking anything for granted against the Commonwealth welterweight champion, who moves up a weight for the bout.

The 25-year-old southpaw added: "I?ve not seen any videos of him yet but he?s quick and can box."

"This is still part of the learning experience for me. In every fight I?m picking up little things which will help me become the best in the world."

Moore will be the main support for the IBO super middleweight contest between Brian Magee and Robin Reid.