On the eve of his first European title defense, super bantamweight Rendall Munroe has the promise of a major world title opportunity should he be successful over his next three bouts. The “Punching Dustman” puts his European belt at risk tonight, Friday, May 2, 2008, at Harvey Hadden Leisure Center in Nottingham, England and Munroe knows that the path before him is laden with gold, not rubbish..
The 27 year old from Leicester is coming off a masterful win over hard punching Kiko Martinez and now faces mandatory challenger Salem Bouaita, the current European Union champion who hasn’t lost a round over his last three bouts, including a decisive victory against top Spaniard Miguel Mallon.
“I’ve been told keep winning and a world title fight will be there; this is the sort of news that I like to hear,” said Munroe. “A few months ago I was struggling to get a British title opportunity and now I’m on the verge of a world title fight. I know I have to look good in my next three fights and of course, win.”
Another man chasing a world dream is the evergreen Ian Napa, who makes his third defense of the British bantamweight title. At one time it was thought that a major title would elude the talented Londoner, but since winning the British in July of last year, Napa has never looked back and has become one of the most popular fighters on the British scene.
The undercard also sees the ever improving light welterweight Scott Haywood, the flash, flamboyant youngster with only two losses, one of which was to the talented John Fewkes by a single point, who looks to continue his winning ways.
Derby based Haywood has his eyes on a British title and hopes to be fighting for the domestic crown by the end of the year.
Southpaw middleweight Kevin Concepcion is another fighter looking to get a title shot very soon. The undefeated 28 year old from Leicester gets his second chance to showcase his talent and skills on a Sky Sports televised show.
Also featured on the card is talented light middleweight Londoner Sam Webb, who now has a plan set out for his career and knows that only winning can deliver what he wants. Webb will also be making up for any lost time by appearing on the June 13 Tony Oakey vs. Dean Francis fight card in Portsmouth.
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. Doors open at 6PM, first fight at 6:30PM.
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 between Frank Maloney Promotions, 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.
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.