Promoter Frank Maloney was satisfied with the outcome of his first show for many years at the Crystal Palace’s National Sports Centre on Friday night. The South London venue holds fond memories for Maloney, whose former star Lennox Lewis twice fought there. Lewis made two successful appearances at the attractive setting on the way to becoming the undisputed world heavyweight champion under Maloney’s guidance.. PJ Gallagher also won the British super featherweight title there for Team Maloney.
Lewis’ second appearance resulted in the sixth round stoppage of Jean Chanet to claim the European heavyweight title and his former manager was clearly impressed by the excellent facilities which comfortably accommodate 2500 people.
Maloney’s two outstanding African fighters, Ajose Olusegun and Tshifhiwa Munyai, both won but the promoter was critical of Olusegun’s performance in winning the vacant Commonwealth light welterweight contest.
“The first five rounds were outstanding,” Maloney said. “If you were betting, you would not think the fight would have gone the distance. But Ajose turned off and treated it as a boxing exhibition.”
Many who saw Olusegun, 20-0 (10), said the Nigerian born fighter reminded them of Floyd Mayweather Jr, insofar as he looked a million dollars but was content to cruise through his fights. Maloney has since stressed to the unbeaten 27 year old that the paying public and SKY’s TV audience demand excitement and explosive entertainment. Maloney reminded the Olusegun team that boxing is like the theatre – but with boxing, people come to see blood and knockouts.
A big step up in weight to take on Harry Ramogoadi – a man who has fought for the Commonwealth super featherweight title – may have been a step too far for the young Tshifhiwa Munyai, who still comfortably makes bantamweight. Munyai appeared to suffer nerves when fighting his more experienced countryman and tried too hard to impress by looking for the knockout.
“Overall it was a good learning curve for him,” Maloney said.
Now all eyes are on Frank Maloney’s next shows which take place in Wigan’s Robin Park Arena on July 6 and Barnsley’s Metrodome on July 13.
Martin Power’s hugely anticipated clash with Jason Booth for the British bantamweight title shares top billing at Wigan with the reappearance of Jamie Moore, ‘the fighter’s fighter.’ Moore’s stock is rising by the minute and the WBC No.10 steps up to meet Vincent Vuma for the WBC international light middleweight title.
Heading the Barnsley card is Carl Johanneson and Leva Kirakosyan’s clash for the European super featherweight title. The chief support bout sees the unbeaten John Fewkes take on Tontcho Tontchev, the former European champion.
Tickets are available for both shows by logging onto www.frankmaloney.com or by calling the Box Office at 0871 226 1508. The fights are also televised live on Sky TV. For any further press information please call 02086914165.