Boxing: Hide title fight gains clearance

HERBIE HIDE'S fight for the vacant British heavyweight title against Michael Murray was given clearance yesterday. The British Boxing Board of Control, who last week refused to sanction the bout, changed their minds after a hearing with the promoter, Frank Warren, Hide's managers, Barry Hearn and Jack Trickett, and Hide.

Murray and Hide contest the title relinquished by Lennox Lewis, the World Boxing Council champion, at Dagenham's Goresbrook Leisure Centre on 27 February.

The Board, however, imposed conditions. The winner must waive the champion's normal six months grace and make a title defence for a 50-50 purse.

Earlier, the Board met representatives of the newly formed Professional Boxers' Association, which outlined its aims and objects. Nicky Piper, the PBA chairman, said: 'We want to work closely with the Board and will hopefully establish a good relationship with all individuals and organisations interested in the welfare of British boxing.'