The Fight game

For many, York Hall IS boxing in Britain

By Sanjeev Shetty BBC Sport Online boxing editor

BBC Sport Online's boxing column returns after a Christmas break with some of the latest news from the fight game, including hope for British boxing's most popular venue.

Bethnal rebirth

A plan has been launched to save London's York Hall, the spiritual home of boxing in Britain.

Tower Hamlets council announced recently that they were considering bulldozing the venue and replacing it with another venture.

But leading promoters Frank Warren and Frank Maloney have made it clear they wish to save "the Hall" and are eager to talk to the council about a venture of their own.

Part of their plan is to renovate the Hall and make it a regular venue for amateur and professional contests.

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Tyson trainer

In a previous edition of the boxing column, it was reported that former world champion Buddy McGirt would be in Mike Tyson's corner for the 22 February contest with Clifford Etienne.

McGirt will be there - but in Etienne's corner.

The trainer, fast earning a reputation as one of the most astute in the sport, was asked to work with both men but Etienne's request was the first he received.

Tyson will be trained by Freddie Roach, who worked the corner of former WBO super middleweight champion Steve Collins.

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The next big thing

With very little in the way of young stars coming through in the heavyweight division, one man has decided to do as much as he can to change the picture.

American Cedric Boswell has issued a challenge on the internet to every fighter in the division that he is willing to take them in his next contest on 28 February.

"Someone needs to stand up and bring the lustre back to the biggest prize in boxing, the heavyweight division."

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Do not bet on Calloway

Rob Calloway, the next opponent of Audley Harrison, will come to the UK sporting a very impressive record of 44 wins and just three defeats.

Harrison heads for Brentford

But an American source has confirmed to BBC Sport Online that Calloway is unlikely to present much of a threat to the Olympic super heavyweight champion.

"He looks good physically - when I saw him fight he had on the USA trunks like Rocky Balboa," said Richard Slone of Kronk Boxing.

"If looks could win, he'd be alright.

"I think it is the right fight for Audley at this stage of his career.

"I'd be very surprised if [Calloway] could compete with Audley - he won't win a round."