Boxing News

Olympic Bronze Medallist Tony Jeffries was unveiled to the British media today, ahead of his professional debut in Barnsley on Friday.

In a joint press conference with his Irish Olympic counterpart and fellow Maloney Promotions golden boy, Darren Sutherland, it was revealed that like Sutherland, Jeffries will taking on a Belorussian fighter.

Aliaksandr Vayavoda will be the target in question, as Jeffries steps down from light heavyweight as an amateur, to super middleweight for his entry to the pro game.

Jeffires said: "I have prepared well, doing my strength work. I'm the lightest I've ever been since I was seventeen years old, so I'm flying in the gym. I'm just raring to go and want to get into the ring." More...

Frank Maloney has announced the signing of the explosive British Olympic Light Heavyweight Bronze Medallist Tony 'TNT' Jeffries, in a deal that Maloney says will finally allow him to match the achievements made with Lennox Lewis and Paul Ingle.
Jeffries, 23, will be the first British Olympian of the class of 2008 to fight in the pro game, making his debut in the Barnsley Metrodome on the 27th of February. The Sky 'Friday Fight Night' bill will be topped by Rendall Munroe and will allow Jeffries to return to the site of his first national amateur title, which he won at the tender age of thirteen.

Maloney said: "I think he can go all the way. I put out a press release at the beginning of the year saying I wanted to move my company up there to become one of the major promoters in Great Britain. I Signed Darren Sutherland – the Irish Bronze Medallist – and I said in my press release I needed one more fighter to complete my jigsaw. By the luck of God, Tony Jeffries came up." More...

**Tons of Exclusive Ringside Boxing Photos**

Click for larger image © Stefan Christou / Saddo Boxing

Yesterday at London's York Hall, the comeback trail of Welsh lightweight Dean Phillips hit an unexpected obstacle in the form of ex-European Super Featherweight Champion Tontcho Tontchev's left fist. In front of a packed house, Phillips never recovered and was knocked out in the first round on a well supported Maloney promotions bill.

Phillips had been going strong in the early seconds of the round, dictating the pace of the fight and forcing Tontchev to use his boxing skills. However, those skills came to fruition as Phillips swung a left hook to the body. Simultaneously Tontchev launched his own left hook which met the Welshman's chin with painful accuracy and the combined power of the two punches caused Phillips' head to swivel violently on its axis. Phillips' body seemed to stiffen and straighten slightly, as he fell backwards to the mat like a tree at the hands of a lumberjack. More...

Click for larger image © Stefan Christou Saddo Boxing

EBU champion David Haye and Lasse Johanesen today spelt out their intentions in the final press conference before their European Cruiserweight title fight in York Hall this Friday (24 March), while manager Frank Maloney insisted the fight will go ahead, blaming boxing’s “undercurrents of very jealous people” for the “unfounded” rumours of cancellation.

Maloney remained tight-lipped over who exactly he thought might be attempting to disrupt the fight saying only; “we have our opinion [on who it might be].”

Haye’s last five fights have all been won within 3 rounds and he hopes Johansen will be a step up in class that Haye feels he needs. He said: “I’m not expecting to hit him with one shot and for him to go over. I’m positive he thinks he can come and beat me which is exactly what we need, some tough opponents that can come give 100%.”

His training sessions in Miami with Lennox Lewis are expected to pay dividends, Haye continued: “You might be a little bit surprised but you’ll see on Friday night, it will be explosive, that’s one thing you can guarantee with me, I bring excitement and explosive power and its going to be a good entertaining fight. I’ve had real good sparring partners, Lennox has been very important in my training he’s brought a lot of experience.” More...

Click for larger image © Stefan Christou Saddo Boxing

In an explosive match up last night, Sam "Rocky" Rukundo continued his perfect winning record by capturing the vacant British Masters Light Weight title with an impressive win against Silence Saheed. The fight took place in a gala event at the New Connaught Rooms of London's West End, hosted by the Mayfair Sporting Club.

In a smoky atmosphere the fighters vied for control, Rukundo trying to stay sharp and outbox his opponent as Saheed attempted to overwhelm and panic the native Ugandan.

Saheed's tactic worked well and he rocked his rival with a powerful combination in the second that left Rukundo clinging on and gasping for air. One round on and Rukundo's eyes looked clear and by rounds seven and eight, his dominance was beginning to show. The Tottenham based "Rocky" expertly combined his punches on an ever advancing Saheed and in the eighth, I was sure the Canning Town based Nigerian was ready to go down. Saheed kept fighting however and did not lose sight of his tactics despite a worsening redness in his eyes. More...