Back to earth for Rendall Munroe and Jason Booth.
Both boxers - who have sparred countless sessions together and consider each other to be friends - are coming off credible but ultimately fruitless world title challenges. If their dreams had been realised the two men, who are both promoted by Frank Maloney, could have been facing each other to unify the WBC and IBF Super-Bantamweight titles.
But it wasn't to be.
First, in September Jason Booth came up short against slick Steve Molitor for the IBF crown in Sunderland, dropping a majority decision. It was a nice showcase of Booth's skills but on the night the size difference was a key factor (Booth is a former flyweight).
In October Rendall Munroe took the long trip to Tokyo to take on Toshiaki Nishioka for the WBC strap. There were suggestions Munroe's team were somewhat miffed that they were having to head to Japan, while Booth had the relatively easier task in his home country. Munroe isn't one to mope about and he put on a brave showing against a speedy and dangerous champion. After a promising start where Munroe's size and pressure looked a big factor, Nishioka, who had looked gassed early on, took charge.
That was then - this is now.
Jason Booth retained his British and Commonwealth titles against Welshman Jamie Arthur last month (February). The bout was taken at short notice and probably could have gone either way but Booth got the nod with a split decision.
Rendall Munroe will return next month (April) against a selected opponent in Sunderland (Maloney's affinity with the North-East continues). The short-term goal is the European title and the longer term goal is another world title tilt. According to Maloney, Munroe's game showing against Nioshioka should stand him in good stead with the world title governing bodies.
The next step?
It seems inevitable that Booth and Munroe should face off. Yes, they have friendship but money talks.
Both are promoted by Maloney so the promotional side of things is taken care of and whatever way you look at it - while the two remain on the same level - the fight has to happen.
It could offer the winner a springboard to a world title challenge by serving as an eliminator. Perhaps it could offer the pair the chance to determine the British, Commonwealth and European championship belts.
Booth is slicker and more seasoned. Munroe is massive for the weight, fitter and more powerful. Could be a cracker - if the contract gets signed!
* Postscript: Events this week (March 28) have conspired to make this match-up less viable.
Rendall Munroe has decided to leave Frank Maloney to sign for Hatton Promotions.
The Leicester fighter told his local paper the following: "Frank Maloney has done a brilliant job. But sometimes a fish has to change its pond!"
It might seem more likely now that Munroe will look at different options and Jason Booth will go a different way.
Both boxers - who have sparred countless sessions together and consider each other to be friends - are coming off credible but ultimately fruitless world title challenges. If their dreams had been realised the two men, who are both promoted by Frank Maloney, could have been facing each other to unify the WBC and IBF Super-Bantamweight titles.
But it wasn't to be.
First, in September Jason Booth came up short against slick Steve Molitor for the IBF crown in Sunderland, dropping a majority decision. It was a nice showcase of Booth's skills but on the night the size difference was a key factor (Booth is a former flyweight).
In October Rendall Munroe took the long trip to Tokyo to take on Toshiaki Nishioka for the WBC strap. There were suggestions Munroe's team were somewhat miffed that they were having to head to Japan, while Booth had the relatively easier task in his home country. Munroe isn't one to mope about and he put on a brave showing against a speedy and dangerous champion. After a promising start where Munroe's size and pressure looked a big factor, Nishioka, who had looked gassed early on, took charge.
That was then - this is now.
Jason Booth retained his British and Commonwealth titles against Welshman Jamie Arthur last month (February). The bout was taken at short notice and probably could have gone either way but Booth got the nod with a split decision.
Rendall Munroe will return next month (April) against a selected opponent in Sunderland (Maloney's affinity with the North-East continues). The short-term goal is the European title and the longer term goal is another world title tilt. According to Maloney, Munroe's game showing against Nioshioka should stand him in good stead with the world title governing bodies.
The next step?
It seems inevitable that Booth and Munroe should face off. Yes, they have friendship but money talks.
Both are promoted by Maloney so the promotional side of things is taken care of and whatever way you look at it - while the two remain on the same level - the fight has to happen.
It could offer the winner a springboard to a world title challenge by serving as an eliminator. Perhaps it could offer the pair the chance to determine the British, Commonwealth and European championship belts.
Booth is slicker and more seasoned. Munroe is massive for the weight, fitter and more powerful. Could be a cracker - if the contract gets signed!
* Postscript: Events this week (March 28) have conspired to make this match-up less viable.
Rendall Munroe has decided to leave Frank Maloney to sign for Hatton Promotions.
The Leicester fighter told his local paper the following: "Frank Maloney has done a brilliant job. But sometimes a fish has to change its pond!"
It might seem more likely now that Munroe will look at different options and Jason Booth will go a different way.
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