Boxing: Ampofo and the hard sell

FRANCIS AMPOFO has become more used to selling fight programmes in the last year than actually appearing in them. But now that medical checks have finally cleared him to box again, the British champion will defend his World Boxing Organisation flyweight title fight against Jake Matlala at York Hall, Bethnal Green tonight.

While Ampofo's career was held up after a brain scan discovered an irregularity, his cheerful face was often seen in the foyer of York Hall taking money for programmes.

.'

Nigel Benn will make the sixth defence of his World Boxing Council super-middleweight title on 3 September. Depending on the opponent it will take place at Dublin, Sheffield or Manchester.

The European heavyweight champion, Henry Akinwande, will defend his title against Mario Schiesser, of Germany, in Berlin on 23 July.