Munroe Puts European Title At Risk On May 2

Super bantamweight Rendall Munroe returns to the ring at Harver Hadden LC in Nottingham, England on Friday, May 2, 2008, after recently shocking the boxing world by clearly outpointing Spanish strongman Kiko Martinez to capture the European title in March..

“The Punching Dustman” wants to be an active champion and pleaded with promoter Frank Maloney to arrange a title defense before the the summer and Maloney delivered the mandatory European challenger, French and European Union champion, Salem Bouaita.

It’s only been seven weeks since Munroe defeated Martinez, but the sharp southpaw is looking to continue his string of impressive performances with a win over Bouaita that will move him up the world ranks.

“I like being busy and what I can earn with my title, but I also like the respect I get being European champion,” said Munroe. “Since that win, my phone doesn’t stop ringing.

“My colleagues at work even off to carry my bins for me. I’d hate to think what they’d offer me if I became world champion, maybe my own dust truck to drive around in! It would be bigger than that American thing that Chris Eubank drives around in,” laughed Munroe.

The Leicester based European champion isn’t taking the challenge of Frenchman Bouaita lightly as he’s once again taking off time at work to put his body through the painful stress of training and is determined not to let his fans down.

In an intriguing chief support bout, Bantamweight Ian Napa is looking to make the third successful defense of his British title and the resulting honor of winning the cherished Lonsdale Belt outright. But Napa knows he needs an impressive win over Irish champion Colin Moffett of Belfast on May 2 if he is to march up the world rankings while hopefully Maloney can deliver a European title opportunity before the end of the year.

The undercard features sensation Kevin Concepcion, who hopes to follow in the footsteps of fellow Leicester middleweights Tony Sibson and Chris Pyatt. Concepcion is undefeated in 10 outings and has his eye on a title by the end of the year.

Also appearing on the bill is the return of light middleweight Sam Webb to the Maloney fold after a short period on the opposite side.

Frank Maloney presents “Two-Tone” on Friday, May 2, 2008 with European super bantamweight champion Rendall Munroe defending against European Union titlist Salem Bouaita at the Harvey Hadden Leisure Centre in Nottingham, England. Chief support is provided by British bantamweight champion Ian Napa defending against Irish titlist Colin Moffett of Belfast.

Tickets are priced at £75 and £35 and are available by logging onto www.frankmaloney.com or by calling the Box Office at 0871 226 1508. Sky Sports televises live on SS1 starting at 9:30PM.

Saturday, May 24, 2008 will feature the biggest selling fight in the history of British boxing, IBO light welterweight champion Ricky Hatton vs. Juan Lazcano, in front of 55,000 fans at City of Manchester Stadium in Manchester, England on a shared production with Punch Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions.

Chief support features IBF light welter champion Paulie Malignaggi vs. former titlist Lovemore N’dou and Commonwealth welterweight champion Craig Watson defending against Matthew Hatton.

Any remaining tickets to Hatton v.s Lazcano can be purchased on www.ticketmaster.co.uk , www.seetickets.com , www.gigsandtours.com and www.rickyhitmanhatton.co.uk . Sky Box Office will televise live commencing at 10PM.

Friday, June 13, 2008 sees a highly anticipated light heavyweight bout between British champion Tony Oakey vs. Commonwealth champion Dean Francis at the Mountbatten Centre in Portsmouth, England. Ticket information and Sky Sports broadcast schedule will be announced when available.