by James Slater – Often looked at as Frank Warren’s biggest rival in the UK boxing promotional world, Londoner Frank Maloney – who celebrates 25 years in the business later this year – reckons he currently has enough future stars in his stable to be able to make it as Britain’s number one promoter. Maloney also says his current crop of fighters are his best ever. The man who once guided the career of heavyweight champion and all-time great Lennox Lewis is especially excited about Darren Sutherland, the Irish super-middleweight who captured a bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics last year. The promoter feels that Sutherland and other fighters under his wing, such as Jamie Moore and Rendall Munroe, can make it big in 2009.
“I am a great believer that if one or two of your stable make it beyond British level it is a fantastic achievement,” Maloney began. “I believe I have enough fighters in my stable that can become British champions, but in today’s world that doesn’t impress sports editors. I believe Darren Sutherland, Jamie Moore, Rendall Munroe and Ian Napa can go that step further and make headlines in 2009. I also expect to see Ajose Alusegun fighting for major honours this year.”
And while a number of the boxers in Maloney’s stable may not be easily recognisable to many US fans, the promoter hopes things will be different before 2009 is over with. With Sutherland particularly, Maloney has a fighter capable of becoming a shining star. But Frank also wants his other fighters to make it to the top.
“There are several other fighters in my stable also going in the right direction, like Akaash Bhatia, Mark Thompson, John Lewis Dickinson, Ashley Sexton, Paul Edwards, Scott Hayward, Tom Dallas, Martin Murray and Mark Moran,” Maloney said.
“I would crack open a dozen bottles of champagne if one of these claim a real world title and a bottle for each that challenges for a real world title. This is what the public want and demand from boxing promoters. I believe I have a few others who are works in progress, in Larry Olubamiwo I may have discovered a new Earnie Shavers. I still believe I need one more top fighter to complete my jigsaw and become Britain’s number one promoter.”
It just may be that with the exceptionally gifted Darren Sutherland Maloney has what he needs. The mention of the man who might be “A new Earnie Shavers” also intrigues, however.
All in all Maloney feels boxing has gone through quite tough times as of late, but this has simply made the world’s best promoters do their best stuff.
“Boxing is going through a change and only the fittest survive,” Maloney stated. “I don’t worry about all the Johnny-come lately promoters. The men I respect are Frank Warren, Barry Hearn and Mick Hennessey who have consistently delivered.”
Clearly, Maloney – a promoter since 1984 – has also delivered pretty consistently to have lasted so long at the top.