Boxing News Boxing News
Frank Maloney Promotions stages a sure-fire barn burner tonight at York Hall as British Light Heavyweight Champion Tony Oakey and nemesis Peter Haymer come to grips in a bad blood grudge match two years in the making.
Oakey, 24-2-1 (6), came out on the losing end at the same venue, falling short by one point to lift the English title from the taller Haymer, 17-4-1 (5), on an unusual sweltering night in the Capital in June, 2005, and the Portsmouth battler hasn’t forgotten the perceived injustice since.
Fuelled by the setback, Oakey went on a tear by reeling off five straight wins including a masterful twelfth and final round dismantling of Steve Spartacus in May of last year to capture the vacant British title.
But the 32 year old South Coast man could have found his level in his most recent outing, managing a draw in Ireland against highly seasoned Irish southpaw Brian Magee to retain the domestic crown for the first time.
By contrast, Haymer’s fortunes have fallen on hard times since the Oakey victory as the Londoner has dropped his last two bouts, one a Commonwealth title challenge, and must once again turn the trick against the vigorous champion if he is to remain in the top class at light heavyweight.
Oakey won the first bout in the eyes of many at ringside at the time but will be facing a far more desperate opponent in this rematch and could be in for the fight of his life tonight at York Hall.
