Bernard Dunne’s manager Brian Peters has accused Rendall Munroe’s promoter Frank Maloney of selective memory over the Londoner’s claim that Dunne is “running scared“ from the current European Super Bantamweight champion. Yesterday Maloney claimed that he had made a “substantial offer” to Dunne to come to England to challenge Munroe for his old title. However Peters remains puzzled as to why Maloney rejected a career best purse for Munroe to defend his title against Dunne in Ireland..
“I’d like to thank Frank for his offer,” said Peters . “However he neglected to mention that the offer I made to him for Rendall to defend against Bernard was more than double their offer and would have been easily the biggest payday of Munroe’s career. So by Frank’s rationale I’m sure he’d admit that the offer he rejected, was very, very, substantial.
“Clearly they are not as confident of beating Bernard as they would like people to think – but if they want to use Bernard’s name to get some publicity then that’s ok too. Our offer stands by the way and should Frank wish to take it up he can give me a call. Either way I wish Rendall nothing but the best in his career. I hope the kind of offers that his team are rejecting come around again for him in the future.”
Peters says that if Maloney still has no interest in his offer he will move on with other plans for Dunne. “There are plenty of other options on the table for Bernard. He’s already been European champion and to fight for a World title has always been the ultimate aim and that’s what we’re building to at the moment.”
Josh hopes to have a Wale of a time against Callaghan
Barnsley punch-machine Josh ‘The Outlaw’ Wale feels like a kid on Christmas Eve right now. In the best shape of his career and with a fight scheduled for September 20 on Hayemaker Boxing’s ‘Rhodes-show’, the unbeaten Yorkshireman can’t wait to start throwing leather.
“I’m in really good shape,” claims the talented super-bantamweight. “I’ve been on weight now for about three weeks and am just ready to go. I was ready to fight weeks ago. To be honest, it’s probably the hardest I’ve ever trained for a fight. I always train hard for my fights but this one has just gone even further.”
That’s an ominous sign for Wale’s September 20 opponent Marc Callaghan and the rest of the British super-bantamweight division. Even in his worst shape, the indefatigable Wale is fitter than most.
“I’m never really out of the gym,” Josh explains. “My dad’s got a gym in the back garden so I’m always out there training. It’s only about 10 yards away. I step out the shower and go straight into my bedroom. I’m always in training.”
Rather than worry their son is watching too much television or spending too many hours on the computer, Josh’s parents have to monitor the amount of time he spends punching the heavy bag and skipping rope.
“My dad has to pull me back all the time because I’m constantly going, going and going some more,” admits 20-year-old Wale. “I’m like one of those Energizer bunnies. I’d train all day if I could. I love it. I suppose over-training could be a thing with someone like me, but my Dad is a good judge and he can tell when I need a rest and when I should take a day off.”
Admitting he feels “comfortable throwing 200 punches-a-round”, Wale is a 7-0 (4 KO) prospect on the fast-track to professional titles. Having already won a Central Area title, Wale sees a resounding victory over the experienced Callaghan as the next step to achieving his ultimate goal of British title success.
“He’s the best opponent I’ve boxed in my professional career,” admits ‘The Outlaw’. “I’ve got to step up now and show I can deal with guys like Callaghan. I’ll respect him while I’m training but as soon as I step into the ring that changes. He’s someone in my way and I’ll look to get him out of there.
“I go in to try and win every round, but stopping Callaghan would make a real statement. Most of the other guys that have stopped him have been experienced fighters on the way to title shots. I’d probably be the youngest fighter to stop him.”
Wale started boxing as an energetic eight-year-old. Born into a boxing family, Wale has been around punch bags, rings and gloves for much of his life. This is part of the reason why the go-getting Wale feels a leash is redundant at this point in time. He’s ready to be let go.
“I’m only 20, but I’ve been sparring pros now since I was 14,” he says. “I always knew through my amateur apprenticeship that I’d eventually be boxing pros. I’ve been prepared for this since I was 14. I don’t want to be held back. Dave Coldwell got me an Area title shot in my fifth fight, and that’s the kind of progress I want to make as a pro.
“Everything’s now fallen into place with Hayemaker Boxing and I’m sure they will deliver the fights when I’m ready for them. They know my style and they know the way I think. I don’t want to be wrapped in cotton wool and I want to test myself. I just can’t wait to get going now.”
An upshot of Wale’s link-up with David Haye and Adam Booth at Hayemaker Boxing has been an increase in both profile and superlatives. Formerly known as one of the hidden gems of British boxing prospects, Wale now appears to be creeping out from the shadows. For a humble, unassuming fighter like Wale, that’s a bizarre concept to have to deal with.
“Compliments seem to be coming from everywhere at the moment,” Wale laughs. “Everyone’s saying how good I am and how I can do this and that. It’s really strange, to be honest, but that’s what you get when you put in the work and start doing well. I’ve just got to keep going now, not let it get to my head, and concentrate on my boxing.”
On September 20 at Hillsborough Leisure Centre the secret will be out. Screened live by Setanta Sports, Wale’s debut for Hayemaker will most likely be a contender for Fight of the Night. His legion of fans will be cheering each and every punch thrown – just don’t expect them to keep count.
“I always bring good support down with me,” says Wale. “They’ve followed me through my first seven fights and now I’m boxing on TV more and on higher-profile shows, I’ll probably start to attract even more fans. I’m told that I have a style that appeals to fans so I’m hoping that everyone comes away from the show remembering the performance I put on. The fans seem to think I’m entertaining, but I don’t really think of it like that. I’m just doing what comes natural. I love fighting.”
*** For more information on Hayemaker Boxing and the September 20 ‘Rhodes-show, contact the Box Office on 0114 256 56 56.
AMERICAN METAL AND IRON FIGHT NIGHT AT THE TANK RETURNS TO HP PAVILLION WITH STELLAR BOXING MATCHES
September 10 – Thursday, September 11, Washington D.C. native and undefeated Jr. Welterweight, Ty Barnett (14-0-1, 10 KOs) returns to the ring in his first main event opportunity in an 8-round battle against the very tough and respected 2000 Olympian from Barranquilla, Colombia, Jose Leonardo Cruz (12-3-2, 8KOs). The fight card is promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions.
Barnett impressed thousands of fight fans sitting ringside in his last boxing match when he put on a spectacular knockout show by stopping the favored Pavel Miranda in the 4th round.
Cruz, who represented his country of Colombia in the 2000 Olympics, advanced to the second round where he was eliminated and then immediately joined the paid ranks of professionals. With a victory in his first professional bout against the well-respected and then unbeaten Edner Cherry (who is now set to battle for the WBC light welterweight championship), Cruz has taken up every challenge in his 17-fight career.
“I’ve got my work cut out for me in this fight with Cruz. But these are the type of challengers that the fans and networks will take notice and I just have to go out there and win,” Barnett said matter of factly.
In a six-round super bantamweight bout, Los Angeles’ Rico Ramos (5-0, 3 KOs) will put his unbeaten record on the line against experienced Alvaro Muro (6-8, 5 KOs) of Moreno Valley, California in what figures to be an exciting contest.
Tickets to ‘FIGHT NIGHT AT THE TANK’ are priced at $25, $40, $60, $75 and $90 and may be purchased by calling 408-998-TIXS or directly at the HP Pavillion ticket office. Doors open at 6:30pm, and the first bell is at 7:30pm.