Duo ready to step up in Moore's absence

And Joel McIntyre is gunning to offer drama as he co-headlines the next city fight night on July 9.

Ballingall and McIntyre move up the bill after Floyd Moore was forced to postpone his Southern Area title clash with Michael Devine. A hand injury has dealt a huge blow to Moore’s prospects.

But featherweight Ballingall, at just 19, believes he’s ready to showcase his title potential.

And he promised he’s ready to fight for belts as the boxers came together at Fratton Park last night for a pre-fight press conference.

Ballingall said: ‘I’m not too young. I’m ready now.

‘I’m ready. I could box for a Southern Area title.

‘People who know me know about my boxing brain and I’ve got a lot of experience for someone my age.’

McIntyre takes on a dangerous opponent in Slovakian Vladimir Idranyi, who stopped London light-heavyweight prospect Charlie Duffield last time out.

He said: ‘I wanted a proper fight. I don’t want a knockout job. I’m a proper fighter and want to be tested. I’m not intending to let anyone down.’

Promoter, Steve Goodwin, was disappointed by Moore’s injury but is looking to invest in Portsmouth boxing.

He said: ‘Floyd has hurt his hand. It’s an old injury which has returned. It means we can’t make the fight and it’s a bit gutting to say the least.

‘But the venue is sold out and the show goes on.

‘The McIntyre-Idranyi fight is a great fight and we have Lucas, too, who has a big future ahead of him.

‘We’re looking to put on exciting shows in Portsmouth.’

n Read a full big-fight preview in The News tomorrow.