FRANK MALONEY has hailed the fighting spirit of British bantamweight champion Stuey Hall.
Hall (10-0-1) will capture a Lonsdale belt outright if he comes through his defence against John Donnelly (12-1) at Rainton Meadows Arena, Houghton-le-Spring on Saturday (Apr 9).
A few years ago the popular Darlington fighter was living in the lager lout heaven Ibiza, doing his training in pubs and nightclubs.
But after returning out of shape he returned to boxing in April 2008 and the work paid off last June when he claimed his domestic title by shocking Ian Napa who quit after eight rounds.
In subsequent defences he stopped Martin Power and Gary Davies and promoter Maloney said: “Stuey is what boxing is all about.
“He has proved that hard work and dedication brings rewards. He should be used as a role model for any youngster who wants to change their lifestyle.”
Although fellow Maloney promoted fighters Tony Jeffries and Glenn Foot emerging in the north-east, 31-year-old Hall is the region’s only major champion.
Maloney added: “Boxing in the north-east is thriving and Stuey is the flag-bearer and a very important person in boxing’s improvement in the area.
In the chief supporting bout Manchester’s undefeated hopeful Karl Place (12-0) has an eight rounder against George Watson (8-3-2).
The talent stacked undercard features some of Britain’s best young fighters including former Malmesbury’s ABA Champion Joe Hughes (2-0) who boxes a selected opponent and Sunderland’s former amateur star Glenn Foot (3-0). He boxes Tamao Dwyer (2-1-1).
Tickets priced £30 and £65 are available 0871 226 1508 or www.frankmaloney.com.
Special Wheelchair boxing exhibition added to Hartford pro card
HARTFORD (April 4, 2011) – A special wheelchair boxing exhibition match has been added to Saturday night’s pro card, “The Willie Pep Boxing Classic,” presented by Hard Hittin’ Promotions (“HHP”), at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford.
The eight-round main event finds local heavyweight favorite Tony “TNT” Grano (17-2-1, 13 KOs), 2005 U.S. Nationals amateur champion, in a crossroads fight against veteran “Diamond” Dominque Alexander (20-10-1, 10 KOs).
Wheelchair boxer Ian Cannon, an 18-year-old college student, faces former New England Golden Gloves champion Luis Reynoso, of Springfield (MA), in a three-round wheelchair boxing exhibition under amateur boxing rules (headgear, large gloves, etc.)
Cannon, of Glastonbury, trains regularly at The Lions Den Connecticut in Middletown, and he has created a wheelchair boxing program. Ian suffers from cerebral palsy yet remains one of the most inspirational boxers in New England.
The undercard showcases some of the best young fighters in New England, including Meriden (CT) by way of Mexico bantamweight Danny Aquino (5-1, 1 KO) vs. James Owens (4-2, 2 KOs), Puerto Rican junior welterweight prospect – training in New Haven – Javier “El Chino” Flores (5-0, 4 KOs) vs. game Norwalk (CT) veteran Shakha Moore (10-15-3, 2 KOs), and promising New Haven featherweight and former amateur standout, Luis Rosa (5-0, 2 KOs) vs. Tommy Attencio (4-6, 2 KOs), all in 6-round bouts. Undefeated East Hartford Joseph “Chip” Perez (5-0, 2 KOs) faces Charles Vanderveer (1-1, 1 KO) in a 4-rounder.
Also scheduled to fight on the undercard is Middletown (CT) favorite, light heavyweight Doug Cartelli (1-0), against Jaquan Williams, and undefeated Philadelphia super featherweight Frank Trader (7-0, 2 KOs) versus John Willoughby (2-6, 1 KO). All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets are priced at $100.00 (ringside), $80.00 (preferred seating), $60.00 (reserved) and $40.00 (general admission) and are available to purchase by calling 860.402.4838 or The Lions Den at 860.613.2394.
Willie Pep: Born Gugloermo Papaleo in 1922 in Middletown, CT. He was a 2-time world champion who retired in 1966 after a 26 year professional career with an amazing 229-11-1 (65 KOs) record. In 1990, Pep was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, New York. He died November 23, 2006 at the age of 84.
Heavyweight prospect Loveday signs with Warren
Top heavyweight prospect John Loveday says taking punches is easy – after seven years on the frontline with the British Army.
Birmingham-based Loveday has just signed terms with top promoter Frank Warren, and will make his professional debut shortly.
The 24-year-old has just finished a seven-year spell as a soldier, including a tour of Afghanistan.
“I was involved in some of the heaviest fighting British troops have seen since WWII,” said Loveday, who signed up as a boy soldier at the age of 16.
“We were involved in fire-fights every day and had to deal with roadside bombs and rocket propelled grenades.
“One incident saw me badly injured, while the guy behind me lost his legs and an arm.”
Loveday finished his army career as a Lance Corporal – although in Afghanistan he was an Acting Section Commander – but decided to leave because he’d seen “every situation possible” and has a young family in the UK.
A top amateur who attracted the attention of the England squad and won the schoolboy ABAs, Loveday began boxing again at Birmingham’s Star City Gym when he returned to civvy street, and was soon spotted by pro boxer Tony Randall.
He was soon persuaded to join the paid ranks, and when Warren came calling, didn’t take long to put pen to paper.
“My main aim at the moment is to win the Lonsdale belt,” said Loveday.
“It’s always been a dream of mine, and at the moment I’m not thinking much beyond that, it is definitely my number one goal.
“You’ve got some great fighters at championship level like Dereck Chisora, but I’m knocking him when I say the domestic division is wide open at the moment.
“I believe with my speed that I can get myself into a position to challenge for the British title.
“I’m walking around 17’10 at the moment and I carry it well, so I’m not going to be a big lumbering heavyweight.
“It’s a good time to be a pro boxer in Birmingham at the moment because there is a growing scene up here.
“I used to box in the amateurs along with the likes of Frankie Gavin and Don Broadhurst, so it’s good to see them doing so well as professionals, and hopefully we can be on some big shows together.”