Boxing Profile: Frank Maloney At The Fight Factory

By Simon Jackson

Entering Frank Maloney’s Fight Factory in the early evening is an experience in itself.

FTM Sports Management and Frank Maloney Boxing Promotions are situated above the Lord Clyde pub in South East London where access is gained via the bar area. The first door I come to at the top of the stairs opens directly onto a gym where four fighters are going through their paces on heavy and speed bags.

“Frank’s office is just through there,” the nearest fighter indicates with a grin towards a door to my right; which in turn opens directly into Maloney’s office.

The tone of the evening is immediately set by Maloney with a handshake and the offer of a coffee: “You did say no sugar didn’t you?” and we are away.

“David Haye is on the verge of something big,” he replies to my initial question on the prospects of the South London born 26 year old. “He could be a massive draw.”

On November 17 Haye, 18-1 (17KOs), took a significant step towards the WBC cruiserweight title when he stopped the previously undefeated Italian Giacobbe Fragomeni in the ninth round of twelve at London’s York Hall.

In doing so, Haye retained his European EBU cruiserweight title as he prepares for the WBC equivalent early next year, offering yet another shot at the big time for the affable Maloney.

“If you can get loyalty you can go a long way,” he says as we are interrupted by the smiling face that brings the coffees in, receives her thanks and departs.

“There are great people behind the scenes,” he continues. “You do meet all sorts though, some who try to suppress, some are just evil, but all of them characters. Boxing is full of characters.”

Several years have passed since his parting with Lennox Lewis, who retired as undisputed World heavyweight champion; but Maloney’s boxing passion remains undimmed.

“Times will change but boxing will not die. I set out to become a successful manager…” but he does not have a chance to confirm his obvious success as we are interrupted by Alan Smith, the head trainer – “Alan, meet Simon” – before they share a quick word.

“Most fighters have their own trainers,” Maloney responds to my question as Alan departs. “We have some good young fighters here. I have 22 to 25 [fighters] now, many who don’t train here.”

Jamie Moore, 25-3 (18KOs), the British light middle-weight champion, Cash Battia, the UK’s first professional Sikh boxer, and young Irish heavyweight Scott Belshaw, winner of each of his three fights within two rounds, are just three of many names highlighted by the manager of former world title holders Lennox Lewis, Scott Harrison and Paul Ingle.

“I try to concentrate more on promoting rather than managing now. We have been here for about six months and FTM Sports Management is our in-house promotion team.”

“Promoting is a business, just like any other. You work out your costs and expenses, just like A+B=C. Only with boxing A+B usually equals E or something,” he laughs.

“No two deals are the same, just as no two people are the same.”

“Many of my people have been with me for years,” he continues; and as if on cue James Russell enters the office. “James has been my general manager on and off for twelve years,” says Maloney as he introduces me.

And it is easy to see why they all stay.

Courtesy www.frankmaloney.com