Melbourne boxer Will Tomlinson secures lucrative deal with Golden Boy Promotions

MELBOURNE boxer Will Tomlinson has broken into the lucrative American market by securing a five-fight guarantee from one of the world's biggest promoters.

news.com.au

"Wild Will," who holds the International Boxing Organisation's version of the super-featherweight world title, clinched the deal last week with Golden Boy Promotions, which is owned by one of boxing's biggest names, six-division world champion Oscar de la Hoya.

While no opponents have been arranged yet, Tomlinson is confident he will soon be fighting for one of the more highly-regarded titles.

"I am very excited. For me, this is like an actor breaking into Hollywood," he said.

Armed with an unbeaten record after 21 fights, Tomlinson moved to Los Angeles soon after his most recent title defence against South African Malcolm Klassen in Melbourne in May in search of opportunities.

Another Melbourne star, Sam Soliman, will return to the ring next month after a lengthy lay-off while he battled accusations of a positive drug test.

Soliman, who turns 40 this week, will take on world-ranked Queensland middleweight Les Sherrington at The Pavilion in Flemington on December 11.

Soliman, who has not lost for five years, last fought in February when he scored a surprise points win over former world champion Felix Sturm in Germany.

German boxing officials claimed Soliman had tested positive to a stimulant, but his B sample was tested in the US and found to be clear, with the International Boxing Federation then ratifying him as its No 1 title contender.

He and Sherrington will contest the WBA Pan Asian Boxing Association's interim middleweight title, with Soliman expecting a shot at the IBF title if he wins.

American Shane Mosley, who walked out on Anthony Mundine the day before they were due to fight in Sydney last month, has agreed to return, with the fight now scheduled for November 27.
 

Source:  www.news.com.au/sport/boxing-mma/melbourne-boxer-will-tomlinson-secures-lucrative-deal-with-golden-boy-promotions/story-fndkzthy-1226756541480