London - Mick Hennessy is delighted to announce that today the current European Super Middleweight Champion James Degale MBE has signed a long-term promotional contract with Hennessy Sports.

The 2008 Olympic Gold Medallist will make his Channel 5 debut at Glow, Bluewater on Saturday 13th October when he defends his European Super Middleweight title.

James Degale MBE said "I am over the moon with my new long-term promotional deal with Hennessy Sports. I can't wait to get back in the ring on October 13th and show the millions of viewers on Channel 5 what I'm all about."

"The new beginning is a thrilling prospect, SO WATCH THIS SPACE!" added James.

Mick Hennessy said, "I'm very excited to have signed a brilliant young talent like James Degale.

"To travel to China to fight on away turf and be the only Brit to capture an Olympic gold medal in such difficult circumstances was an amazing feat.

"To already be European Champion after only 13 fights is also an amazing achievement, our goal is to nurture and enhance James extreme talent to the highest level and for him to become not only a genuine world champion but also a cross-over star worldwide." Added Mick

James parents Diane and Leroy said, " We are very proud of James who has stayed positive and committed in these difficult times. James has remained focused and dedicated during the lull in his career. The new contract with Hennessy Sports heralds a new beginning for him.

"We remain very optimistic that James will fulfill his dreams of becoming a WORLD CHAMPION! We are looking forward to the exciting and new chapter of his career with Hennessy Sports and Channel 5."

James Degale MBE added, "Dear past thanks for the lessons, dear future I'm ready!"

Mick Hennessy has also announced today that Glow, the unique �60 million events and exhibition venue at Bluewater, Kent, will be host for the night of professional boxing on Saturday 13th October.

";I'm very excited to be bringing professional boxing to the Glow for the first time, it is a fantastic arena, perfect for sporting events like boxing." Said Mick Hennessy

The high profile event will be broadcast live on Channel 5 in the UK, Wealth TV in the United States of America and around the globe.

The promoter added "The boxing fans who attend the show will not be disappointed, the evening will not only see the 2008 Olympic Gold Medallist James Degale MBE make his Channel 5 debut but they will see some of the world's brightest young talent in action.

"Rising middleweight sensation, the Brighton based son of former world champion Chris Eubank, (Chris Eubank Jr) will be looking to continue his impressive unbeaten run as a professional and Kid Galahad, who I believe is the best Super Bantamweight in the country right now will be out to showcase his slick skills."

"We will also see former British champion Lightening Lenny Daws challenge the number one Finnish fighter, Ville Piispanen for the vacant EU Light Welterweight title. This title fight has the recipe to be a real barnstormer and one certainly not to be missed." added Mick.

There is also a great undercard on the night with Phill Fury, cousin of Tyson Fury and Guildford's Eli Matthews who will be making his professional debut.

The full card and James opponent will be announced soon.

Tickets for October 13th are priced from �30 and are available from the Hennessy Sports box office on 01925 755 222 (from today) or from Ticketline on 0844 888 4402 and Ticketmaster on 0844 847 2500 from tomorrow (Friday 21st)

Tickets can also be purchased online at from Friday 21st September.

Come September 29 all eyes will be on Hamburg, Germany, as three title fights will top the bill at Alsterdorfer Sporthalle. 

Light Middleweight Jack Culcay is going to defend his WBA Intercontinental Championship against Mark Thompson and WBA World Heavyweight Champion Alexander Povetkin will be trying to fend off the bid of mandatory challenger and former WBC and IBF Champion Hasim Rahman. 

But another heavyweight bout could steal the show, when Kubrat Pulev and Alexander Ustinov collide not only for the European and the IBF International Championship but also the number one spot in the IBF rankings. So the winner will come closer to challenge current World Champion Wladimir Klitschko in the not too distant future. 

In the following interview, the heavyweight colossus Ustinov talks about his chances of beating Pulev and earning this coveted position.

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On September 29, you will challenge Kubrat Pulev for the European and IBF International Heavyweight Championship. How is your preparation going?

Alexander Ustinov: Everything is going well. I am currently in the final moments of my sparring, so on the day of the fight I will be in tip-top shape and ready to win!

What do you expect from Pulev and how are you going to deal with it?

Alexander Ustinov: We are both experienced professionals and know the boxing business pretty good. Kubrat will enter the ring to win just like me! It is going to be a great fight!

You have won 21 of your 27 fights by knockout - Pulev 8 out of 16. Would you say that you are the bigger puncher and that his power is not as much of a concern to you?

Alexander Ustinov: I do not consider myself just as a big puncher. I just do my job inside the ring. However, if there is a possibility to finish the combat in the early rounds - then why not? I will take the chance!

You are currently fighting for K2, the banner of the Klitschko brothers. Have you actually sparred with them and if so, what have you learned by sparring them?

Alexander Ustinov: I have helped Vitali twice to prepare for a fight and it was always a great experience for me. After that, I have realised one very simple but very important thing: If you want to be the best, then you have to deal with the best! I am proud of being able to help Vitali.

The fight against Pulev is not only for the European Championship but also for the number one spot in the IBF world rankings. Therefore, if you should be able to beat Pulev, your next opponent could be Wladimir Klitschko. Are you thinking about that?

Alexander Ustinov: The Klitschko Brothers are currently the heavyweight kings. Everybody wants to face them, but not everybody has the chance to get into the ring with them. Well, if I should get that opportunity I will be very happy.

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Tickets for the big event can be purchased online at www.eventim.de and www.boxen.com