Lindsay Splits From Maloney

Jonny Stapleton

Martin Lindsay pulled himself off Saturday’s Liverpool’s Little versus Large show because he didn’t want to tie himself to promoter Frank Maloney for another 12 months.

Lindsay was due to fight Lee Selby in the Olympic Theatre, but elected against the six rounder because it would have forced him to extend wha

t has been a uneventful and frustrating stay with the British promoter.

The University graduate, who hasn’t fought since loosing his British title to John Simpson seven months ago, feels he has a better chance of securing title shots as a free agent or with another promoter.

The Belfast based super featherweight is confident as one of Ireland’s biggest ticket sellers he can secure fights on the under card of a home Paul McCloskey or Carl Frampton show this summer.

And once the new boxing season begins Lindsay, who was once on the verge of a world title shot and seems continuously on the peripheral of a European tilt, will actively seek title shots.

“I pulled the plug on the fight this weekend. The terms didn’t suit. I didn’t want to tie myself to Frank for another year just for a six round fight. I am a free agent now and that suits at present,” Lindsay told www.irish-boxing.com.

“The Summer is coming and there won’t be too much boxing over that period, but after that I will look at the options. I will try and get on one of the big cards predicted for Belfast, be it a McCloskey or Frampton fight and then target titles.”

Lindsay, who admitted he underestimated tough Scot Simpson last December, is still well positioned for a prestigious strap shot. He ranked sixth in Europe and is in the British top three and targeting any fighter with a belt of note.

“I still have a good rankings. I am positioned well and I am on verge of titles. I am confident I can perform at that level and I am confident I will get the opportunities to prove that. I will take on any fighter with a belt of note.”

One fighter who may have a title strapped around his waist come the end of the month is Patrick Hyland. The Punisher, who is regularly linked with a mouth watering clash with Lindsay, challenges for the WBF world title in the National Stadium.

However, much to the disappointment of fight fans that title wouldn’t be enough to tempt the Belfast man into Hyland fling.

“Pajo isn’t on my radar at present. I want to go the European route. Now if one of us had a European belt it would be worth fighting for. The current European champion hasn’t defended his title in a long while. That is a fight I would take right now.”