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Harding set to get some sunshine

Simon Smedley
6/ 2/2008

DANNY Harding will console himself for missing out on a fight with fellow unbeaten hopeful Lee Cook with a sparring trip to Portugal this week.

Reddish-based Harding, aged 25, should have fought at the York Hall in Bethnal Green last Friday, only for Cook to pull out with just days to spare.

Harding was ‘gutted’ as potential replacement Henry Castle also pulled out of a proposed bout, but the Stockport star will now fight Baz Carey in Blackpool on February 16 and will prepare in style with some warm weather training and welcome sparring in the Algarve.

Harding said: "Carl Johanneson’s people asked me to go over to Portugal and spar with him this week as he prepares for his British super-featherweight title defence against Kevin Mitchell in March.

"I jumped at the chance, it’ll be a great experience and it will help me focus more and train hard for the Carey fight."

Harding, who has so far won six fights out of six in the paid ranks, faces a tough task against Carey at light-welterweight.

Carey only lost to Amir Khan on points in September, 2005.

If Harding beats Carey, he may well face Cook - at the third time of asking - in April.