Promoter Mick Hennessy admits he has a real problem with Tyson Fury – just how does he hold the 6 feet 8 ½ inch heavyweight phenomenon back! In front of the ITV cameras last weekend Fury despatched German KO artist Marcel Zeller in the third round in only his second pro fight. The vastly experienced Zeller entered the ring with 21 wins from his 24 outings with all but one of those victories coming by knockout..
Hennessy says Fury jumped at the chance to take on Zeller despite having just over 2 minutes of professional experience himself courtesy of his first round debut win in December. “Tyson proved at the weekend that he’s ready and willing to take on all comers right now, said Hennessy.
“In fact he’d fight both Klitschko brothers in the morning if he could but we need to be sensible and take it fight by fight. With his ability he can certainly be fast tracked but he’s still only 20 years old so he won’t be rushed.
“The frightening thing with Tyson is that he’s only going to get better and better and the sky’s the limit really. People said it was madness to match him with a dangerous puncher like Zeller so early on but I’ve seen Tyson in the gym sparring guys with big reputations and I know what he’s capable of.
“Have a look at any of the other big prospects in world boxing or indeed the world champions and see who they fought in their second fight – not too many of them will have a guy like Zeller on their records that early.”
Hennessy is planning on keeping his latest star very busy in 2009. “Tyson will fight again on the undercard of Jonathon Thaxton’s European title defence in Norwich on February 28th. Assuming he comes through that injury free then he will be out again on the Wayne Elcock – Matthew Macklin card in Birmingham on March 14th.”
Fury’s looks have been compared to that of legendary matinee idol, Errol Flynn while his punching power has reminded some of a young George Foreman. Hennessy is in no doubt that Fury is the complete package and can be become the saviour of the much maligned heavyweight division.
“It’s hard not to get excited about Tyson. He has the looks, the charisma, the size, the ability and the physical and mental toughness required to go all the way. He is already breathing new life into the heavyweight division. The problem these days is that nobody even cares who the heavyweight champ is anymore.
“In my opinion the general public don’t know one Klitschko from the other and even hardcore boxing fans would struggle to tell you who the other belt holders are. Tyson’s only had 2 fights but there’s already a media frenzy about him. We’ve been inundated with interview requests and he seems to be transcending boxing already.
“Obviously it’s early days yet but I believe British boxing has unearthed a new star in Tyson and it’s only a matter of time before the name Tyson will once again be the talk of the boxing world.”
Walk Through The Flames: Edwards vs Bloy
The British and Commonwealth flyweight titles are on the line tonight at Fenton Manor Sports Complex in Stoke-On-Trent, England, compelling divisional rivals Chris Edwards and Wayne Bloy to each pledge that they will stop at nothing to put ownership to these vacant belts.
There are two crowns on the line but only one man can emerge victorious from the cauldron that promoter Frank Maloney has named “Stoking The Fire”.
The pairing has filled Fenton Manor to the brim with the devoted fans of local hero Edwards but a hardcore band of Bloy followers have made the 130 mile trip from Grimsby and will occupy a corner of the arena to spur their man on.
The two flyweights hit the scales yesterday in preparation for tonight’s fireworks with Edwards weighing in at 109.5 pounds and Bloy tipping the beam at 110.75 pounds.
The chief support bout features an intriguing eight rounder at light middleweight pitting Lincoln man Kevin Hammond against Stoke native Jimmy “The Whirlwind” Doherty.
Hammond went on record at 155.5 pounds, as did his fellow combatant Doherty, as they ready for what promises to be a classic slugger vs. boxer showdown.
The undercard is stocked with action, headed by Stoke’s own popular English lightweight champion Scott Lawton, also the bill’s co-promoter, facing Johnny Greaves in a six round non-title affair.
Red hot flyweight Ashley Sexton meets Fikret Remziev Kurdov while welterweight Scott Miller goes up against Tomasz Mazurkiewicz in six round bouts.
A raft of four rounders round out the fight card as bantamweight Paul Edwards duels Elmir Rafael, heavyweight Larry Olubamiwo confronts Mihai Iftode, cruiserweight Jon Lewis Dickinson opposes John Anthony, heavyweight Alex Ibbs encounters Steve Bodger while featherweight Samir Mouneimne grapples with Steve Gethin.
Frank Maloney Promotions presents “Stoking The Fire”, featuring Chris Edwards vs. Wayne Bloy for the vacant British and Commonwealth flyweight championships along with full undercard support on Friday, January 23, 2009 at Fenton Manor Sports Complex in Stoke, England.
Tickets are priced at £70 and £35 and are available by logging onto www.frankmaloney.com or by calling the Box Office at 0871 226 1508.
Sky Sports will televise the action live on SS1 starting at 10PM.
DeGALE STRIPPED!
Olympic Champion James DeGale has completed his toughest assignment yet – posing naked for top selling women’s magazine Cosmopolitan.
DeGale, who won gold in Beijing, will appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine as its male centerfold as part of a campaign to raise awareness of testicular cancer.
And only a few well chosen camera angels will protect the 22-year-old crown jewels.
“When I was asked to do the photoshoot I didn’t need to be asked twice, I just jumped at the chance because I’ve always wanted to do a bit of modeling,” said DeGale.
“I was pretty nervous at first and it was definitely tougher than winning my gold medal at the Olympics – but it is a really great and worthwhile charity to be supporting so stripping off wasn’t a problem.
DeGale will make his professional debut on February 28 at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham, and follows a host of big names from the sports and entertainment world on to the pages of Cosmo.
And he’s hoping his appearance in Cosmo will deliver him a few more fans as well.
“As a boxer, your support base tends to be male, but after appearing in Cosmo, fingers crossed, there will be plenty of young ladies at my fight as well!” he added.
Tickets for the Olympian show, priced at £30, £50, £100 and £150, are available from:
Ticket Factory
0844 338 8000