Chunky Devine secures title fight against close friend

It’s not the Irish title fight that he craves, but Michael Devine [14(4)-5(2)-1] has been handed the opportunity to fight for a belt later this year.

It has been confirmed that the Luton-Wexford boxer will take on Ben Day [8(3)-1(0)-1] for the vacant BBBoC Southern Area lightweight title on December 3rd at the York Hall in London.

‘Chunky’ Devine is a former holder of the Southern Area super featherweight belt, while Day once held the light welterweight strap. Earlier this year Day challenged for the 135lbs belt when it was held by Floyd Moore, losing a close (95:97) decision. Devine was then due to challenge Moore for the belt before the champion withdrew injured.

Aside from both being former champions, the pair are good friends and former gym mates, but both stress that they have no problems putting this aside for ten rounds.

Devine commented how “it’s the first time I will be in the ring with a friend but we will put friendship aside for 30 mins and put on a cracking fight for everyone.”

Similarly, Day noted that the fight “is an amazing opportunity for us both in our careers so we both have to accept it and leave our friendship outside the ring for the fight.”

The clash will be Devine’s first bout since his exciting win on his Irish debut at the National Stadium in June.