05.05.06 – We’ve had the “Busby Babes”, the “Fergie Kids” and the “Arsenal Youth” now we introduce you to the three M’s, “Maloney’s Mighty Minnows”, this is the name boxing manager and promoter Frank Maloney, all 5ft 3in of him who took 6ft 5in Lennox Lewis to the undisputed heavyweight title, has given to his latest batch of new signings who will be making their debuts over the next three shows..
Maloney said yesterday, “British boxing is always looking for stars and the time is now is right for one to come through instead of signing established boxers I have gone to the opposite end of the spectrum and signed up a bunch of talented youngsters, some of whom are even too young to fight for the British title.”
These Minnows start with head boy Gary Woolcombe who takes on the experienced Gilbert Eastman for the Southern Area light-middleweight title on the 26th May. Nineteen year old heavyweight star Scott Belshaw will make his debut on the undercard of this show.
May 30th sees the launch of the careers of other new Maloney Minnows, starting with eighteen year old featherweight sensation, Clifford Smith. Smith who will not be able to fight for the British for two years at least has already got the hardcore London boxing fans talking about him. Those who have seen him in preparation for his professional debut are mightly impressed with ability.
Also making his debut on this bill will be “Soldier Boy” Chris Pacy and the one causing the most excitement in the Asian community Akaash Bhatia, who will be challenging Amir Khan for the title of most popular Asian fighter.
Bhatia made his name on the amateur circuit by stopping highly rated Vince Mitchell, brother of Kevin Mitchell in the London ABA’s.
June the 3rd sees Nathan Weise another highly rated amateur take his professional bow and one that top pro trainer Babatunde Ajayi raves about make his pro debut along with the young Welsh sensation Lee Fortt who at the age of 19 leaves home in Wales on a Monday morning and stays in a real rough and ready B&B to prepare for his second professional fight so he knows what the old timers went through.
Maloney claims that for the first time in a long time his expectation levels on the Mighty Minnows has gone up.
“Usually when you sign a bunch of young fighters you expect maybe one to go to pop but I expect three of these to go all the way to conquerer the World.”
All three shows will be at the historical York Hall in Bethnal Green and tickets can be purchased from http://www.maloneypromotions.com or by calling the ticket hotline on 0871 226 1508.