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BOXING - STEVE COULD BE SET FOR

From the archive, first published Saturday 19th Aug 2006.

POOLE-based middleweight Steve Bendall will defend his English title later this year in what looks like being a final eliminator for the British crown.

The 32-year-old southpaw lines up against Birmingham's Wayne Elcock at Aston Villa Leisure Centre on Wednesday, November 29.

It is expected that the winner will go up against Londoner Richard Williams, who faces the Battersea Bomber Howard Eastman on September 22 in a battle for the British title.

Scott Dann, who beat Bendall for that crown two years ago, has relinquished the British title after four successful defences because of injury and winning his Lonsdale belt.

Bendall, who hasn't boxed since he lost inside three rounds to Germany's Sebastian Sylvester for the European title in April, will warm up for his November encounter with an eight-rounder in seven weeks time.

He will go up against an undecided opponent in a bout at Weston-super-Mare on October 7.

Bendall, who beat Donovan Smillie in December to lift the English title, said: "Even though I got beaten for the European title, their camp telling me the fight was never going to happen wasn't good.

"I was still in good shape and it was a good experience so I can't make any excuses, but now I want to get back to my best.

"I'm 32 and I still feel I have the ability to win the British title, but it hasn't happened.

"This is my last chance and I have to do it because if Wayne was to beat me I would have to say I have nowhere to go.

"He used to be WBU world champion but he lost on points to Dann last year for the British title.

"He is a stand-off stance with a good left hook. But I am very confident I can win the fight, and I have to win it."