Frank Maloney Boxing: Sutherland – “I Want Tougher Tests”

Darren Sutherland is at loggerheads with promoter Frank Maloney over the quality of his opponents.

Ireland’s Olympic bronze medallist believes he is ready to step up in class after impressive KO wins against Georgi Iliev and Siarhei Navarka in his first two professional fights.

The pair failed to last ten minutes between them and Sutherland is hoping for a tougher test at Stoke-on-Trent’s Fenton Manor Sports Complex on May 29.

Maloney said: “Darren is driving me mad to give him some real tests, but it is about developing him in the gym as well as the ring.

“I have an opponent is mind who I hope to name early next week and if records are anything to go by, I think I have decent test for him.

“Darren is an immense prospect, but it is all about the right fights at the right time even for the very best and I have explained this to him.

“My track record with upcoming fighters in good and when Darren is ready he’ll be unleashed against the very best, and I bet he’ll be there standing at the end.”

Top of the talent crammed card is local hero Chris Edwards, 12-13-3, who defends his British and Commonwealth flyweight title against Derby’s Usman Ahmed, 5-1-1.

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

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