Plymouth boxer now 'unavoidable' as fight given final eliminator status for titles

Plymouth boxer Constantin Ursu is now ‘unavoidable’, his trainer says, as his December 7 clash with Lewis Booth has been made a final eliminator for the British and Commonwealth welterweight titles.

Ursu, who made his pro debut in Plymouth five years ago this month, is taking on Booth at the Brentwood Centre in Essex, as part of the latest show promoted by Johnny Clark.

But that contest has now been made even more crucial for Ursu – dubbed the Moldovan Monster – as the winner will become mandatory challenger for the British and Commonwealth straps.

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Should Ursu overcome Booth in Essex, he will take on either Harry Scarff or Liam Taylor, who are facing off for Scarff’s welterweight crown on an as-yet-unannounced date.

Ursu cut a frustrated figure after his last contest, which was also at the Brentwood Centre in Essex, as he was matched against journeyman Octavian Gratii, having voluntarily given up his silver Commonwealth belt for the main event of the same show, between Elliot Whale and Lloyd Germain.

He said afterwards that it was ‘a little bit of a concern’ for him, and added: “I’ve been in England for nearly seven years and most fighters from England are avoiding me.”

But the approval by British Boxing Board of Control stewards to make his clash with Booth a final eliminator means he cannot be swerved any longer.

Ursu’s trainer Marlee Dann said: “This is the chance Constantin has been waiting for. Now he has become unavoidable.

“Winning puts him in a position to be number one challenger to the British and Commonwealth titles. Promoters are already in negotiations with Constantin’s manager to sign him – 2025 will be a huge year for him.”

Beating Booth will not be a given, considering the Doncaster man is unbeaten in 15 paid contests, and holds the Central Area welterweight crown. But Ursu comes into the clash with a mighty reputation, having recorded three stoppages in his latest four fights.

That could have been four had Ursu not been matched with Gratii, who was keener on avoiding punches than throwing them in their September clash.

Ursu has been linked with promoters in the Middle East, where he may be considered an easier ‘sell’ than in England, which has become his adopted home.

However, if Ursu can secure a victory against Booth next month, he will be the first Plymouth fighter since Scott ‘Dynamite’ Dann to contend for a British title – now a full 20 years ago.