Kevin Anderson will defend his Commonwealth Welterweight title against Namibia’s Ali Nuumbembe at the Kirkcaldy Ice Rink on the 16th of February and not against Eamonn Magee as previously reported.

Nuumbembe is the mandatory contender for Anderson’s Commonwealth title and he will represent a tough test for the Kirkcaldy man who is hoping to challenge for the vacant European Welterweight title in the not too distant future.

“2007 has the potential to be huge year for Kevin, but it couldn’t be getting off to a tougher start,” said Tommy Gilmour, Anderson’s manager and co-promoter of the Kirkcaldy show alongside Barry Hearn. “Nuumbembe is a real dangerman and he is not an opponent we would have picked, but he is the mandatory contender for the title so we had no choice.

“Kevin’s British title is not at stake, but he must defend that against Belfast’s former WBU world champion Eamonn Magee in his next contest so he faces two extremely tough fights in quick succession.

“If he comes through both with his titles still intact then he will have proved he has what it takes to compete at the very top level in Europe and the world.”

28 year old Nuumbumbe has been based in Glossop in Derbyshire throughout his four year pro career and has a 16-2-1 (6 KOs) record, with the highlight being a disputed draw against then British champion David Barnes in 2005 for the WBO Inter-Continental title in a fight.

“I have no doubt that Kevin will prevail, but he needs to ensure that he has learned lessons from the Muttley fight,” continued Tommy. “He proved he has the heart of a true warrior that night by coming back from the brink of defeat to win, but he was caught by too many punches and he needs to ensure there is no sloppiness about his work because Nuumbembe and Magee have what it takes to punish him for it.”

Heading up the undercard is former Scottish amateur light-heavyweight champion Stevie McGuire (undefeated in nine fights), who will be stepping up his bid to claim a British or Commonwealth title chance at super-middleweight during 2007.

And Scotland’s heavyweight hope Ian Millarvie will be looking to put injury and illness behind him as he bids to stretch his unbeaten record to five.

Classy Clydebank lightweight Gary McArthur – who stretched his own unbeaten record to six in front of a packed hometown crowd last month – gets the opportunity to box in front of Sky’s TV cameras for the first time.

Also on the bill are teenage South Queensferry featherweight prospect Paul Appleby (6-0, 4 KOs), Methil welterweight Willie Bilan and Dunfermline super-middleweight Gordon Brennan.

“Scottish boxing is in a very healthy condition at the moment,” said Tommy. “We have champions such as Kevin, Alex Arthur and Willie Limond, whilst Barry Morrison and Ricky Burns box for British titles in the next month. There are also a number of other top-class prospects coming through, with Stevie, Ian, Gary and Paul only the tip of the iceberg.

“By appearing on the undercard of a major title fight, and with Sky’s cameras also beaming the event throughout Europe, this will hopefully give them a taste of what’s required to reach that level. I’ve no doubt they will all take this chance to showcase their talents.”

Tickets are priced at £40 (reserved seating) and £30 (unreserved seating) and are available through Tam Anderson 01333 300 310, the Box Office 01592 612 672 or the St Andrew’s Sporting Club 07716 622 784.