BOXING: HORNDON’S “John” Wayne Hibbert will be fighting on Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom promotion Christmas Cracker fight show at London’s Ex-Cel Centre on December 14.

The fight night – which involves some of the biggest names in British boxing – will be screened live on Sky.

But for Hibbert the night will be a bitter-sweet affair because he’ll be on the same bill as Southern Area Light Welterweight title holder Tony Owen whose belt Hibbert covets.

However, Owen will be defending the belt against Ricky Boylan, while Hibbert will square up to Tony Pace who recently lost a close contest with Lennie Dawes.

Hibbert said: “I believe that I should have been on the bill against Owen, but boxing’s difficult like that and I’m just glad that I have got a fight before Christmas because I have got a family to look after. “I could have kicked up a fuss with the British Boxing Board because I am the mandatory challenger, but I did not want to kick up a stink and I know that I’ll soon be fighting whoever has the Southern Area title.

“I’ve just come off a win and I’ve never felt better so I’m up for the fight against Pace. He’s a fighter who likes to come forward so that suits my style. Also I’m happy at ten stone and feel that this is the best weight for me.” The fight night will also feature fighters of the calibre of Olympic gold medallist Anthony Joshua, Kevin Mitchell and Lee Purdy – so it’s bound to be a big draw for fight fans from south Essex. Tickets are on sale now priced at £40, £60, £100 ringside and £150 VIP. For tickets call Hibbert on 07938 660516.