Frank Maloney Boxing: War Of The Little Big Men

ByBoxing Press

Britain’s tiniest fighter Usman Ahmed will be thinking big when he challenges reigning champion Chris Edwards for his British and Commonwealth flyweight titles later this month.

‘Ussie’, 27, who weighs just 7st 7lb [105 pounds] travels into the hometown of battle-hardened Edwards, 12-13-3, at Fenton Manor Sports Complex in Stoke-on-Trent, England on Friday, May 29.

Ahmed, 5-1-1, faced Edwards on his professional debut in September, 2006 and although Usman went down on points, he has improved and remained unbeaten since.

The Derby boxer’s manager Mike Shinfield said: “Ussie went to Edwards’ back yard in Stoke and gave him a really close fight that night.

“To say he was making his debut, it was a great performance and has gone from strength to strength since. I fancy Ussie’s chances in the rematch.”

Also on the top class bill, local hero Scott Lawton, 26-4-1, face Welshman Gary Buckland, 15-1, in an eliminator for the British light welterweight title.

An eliminator for the British super featherweight title sees Dewsbury’s Gary Sykes, 11-0, square off with Manchester’s big ticket seller Anthony Crolla, 13-1, in what promise to be a fierce ten rounder.

Ireland’s 2008 Olympic Bronze Medallist, Darren Sutherland, 2-0, is one of the world’s hottest prospects and features in a six rounder.

The show sees promoter Frank Maloney keep his vow to bring big time boxing back to The Potteries.

“Stoke City are staying in the Premier League and Chris Edwards wants to keep top flight boxing in the area,” said Maloney.

“It is great to be working with Scott Lawton and his partners at Impact Boxing once again. They told me boxing was a sleeping giant in the region and they proved that with the great night we put on in January.

“No British flyweight has dominated the division for years, but Chris is doing a good job holding off all these young kids.

“As well as Usman, there is Paul Edwards and Ashley Sexton also chomping at the bit to get at Chris.”

Tickets are on sale at £35 and £75 for the show, which also features other top fighters from Stoke including Scott Miller and Alex Ibbs, and are available from www.frankmaloney.com and 0871 226 1508.