OLYMPIC bronze medallist Tony Jeffries will bid to stretch his unbeaten professional record to five when he boxes at Newport Centre on Friday December 11. Jeffries, 24, thought he would be out of action until next year after perforating an eardrum in sparring. But the medical staff at his beloved Sunderland FC and the club’s physio Pete Friar quickly cured the problem. ‘The Mighty Mackem’ said: “The injury came when Ovill McKenzie was sparring with me. It meant I couldn’t spar for two weeks, but I could still road work and train..
“The injury got worse, but once I went to see Pete the problem cleared up in about ten days.
“I have had a few injuries during the years, but Pete must be the best person I have worked with.”
“Has not Pete worked his magic it would have meant training over Christmas for a January date, but now I can enjoy it.
“I am even going Christmas shopping in New York after my fight so I better get Pete a nice present.”
Top of the bill in Newport is the double title fight between Bristol’s British super-flyweight champion Lee Haskins (19-2) and Birmingham’s Commonwealth king Don Broadhurst (11-0).
Also in action is Jeffries fellow Beijing bronze medallist, 6ft 8in heavyweight David Price (3-0) and another heavy hope Tom Dallas (7-0)
Tickets are available £30 and £70 from 0871 226 1508 and www.frankmaloney.com. Fans of Jeffries can get tickets and coach transport by calling Phil Jeffries on 07747 611020
HILL IS GOING TO THE TOP
FRANK MALONEY believes he has discovered another middleweight sensation in Tony Hill.
The Southampton prospect is unbeaten in two contests, but the promoter believes he has unearthed another exciting talent.
Hill, 23, stopped Stuart Barr on his debut in September and last Friday showed his huge potential once again outpointing Matt Scriven.
Hill joins a stable bursting at the seams with talent in the middleweight divisions that includes his former England amateur team-mate Tony Jeffries, Travis Dickinson and George Groves – who is co-promoted by Maloney.
Southpaw Hill is former Junior ABA champion and Maloney rates him as highly as James DeGale, who beat him in NABC championships six years ago.
Maloney said: “I am amazed that nobody noticed him before because he could be the hidden diamond in British boxing.
“In both of his professional fights I have been taken aback at how natural and relaxed Tony looks.
“He reminds of John Conteh and a very good fighter I boxed with at Lynn ABC Billy Knight who was top class and would have been a superstar in this era.
“In a year to 18 months I would match him against DeGale in a heartbeat. The only reason I won’t do it now is because DeGale has been a pro longer.”
As Hill gets more exposure, Maloney believes his latest protégé’s popularity will swell. For his fight with Scriven he sold 150 tickets even though his fans had to tackle a 300 mile round trip.
Maloney added: “Tony has charm, looks and charisma. He also has a nice family who will keep his feet firmly on the ground.” His next appearance is on December 11th on the undercard of Haskins v Broadhurst.
For further info and tickets 0871 226 1508
Tony Bellew Wants New Everton Stadium
Everton fan Tony Bellew says his club should build a new stadium – because he wants to fight there for a world title. The “Bomber” is racing up the British rankings and has won eight of his 11 fights by KO. Next year the true blue is targeting a crack at the British light-heavyweight crown currently held by Nathan Cleverly. Bellew’s last fight was a first round stoppage in Liverpool, and the big fight atmosphere at the Liverpool Echo Arena has left him eager for more fights on Merseyside. The 26-year-old’s ultimate dream is to win a world title at the home of Everton FC, the club he has supported since he was a boy.
And until yesterday, Bellew was hopeful that any such fight would take place at a proposed new super stadium – until it was knocked back by the Government.
“Everton need a new stadium because where else are all the fans going to go when I win a world title?” asked Bellew.
“Seriously, I was gutted when I heard the news yesterday about the stadium getting knocked on the head because it would have been great for the city.
“But I’ll put the smile back on people’s faces by winning the British title next year.
“Boxing in Liverpool is going places at the moment and I’m looking forward to being at the forefront of a new generation of stars.
“I wear my heart on my sleeve, and people know that when I fight I’m going to give it 100% and go in there looking for a knockout.
“I feel like I have nearly completed my apprenticeship and next year I’ll be looking for titles, starting with the British, but I won’t be happy until I go all the way to the top.”
Bellew appears on the biggest British boxing show of the year on December 5, when he fights in a six rounder on the undercard of Amir Khan’s WBA World Light-Welterweight title defence against Dmitriy Salita in Newcastle.
Remaining tickets are available from:
Metro Radio Arena
0844 248 5013 (dedicated line)
www.metroradioarena.co.uk
Sports Corporation
0845 163 0845
www.sportscorporation.com
See Tickets
0871 220 0260
www.seetickets.com
Amir Khan v Dmitriy Salita is live on Sky Box Office and in high definition on Sky Box Office HD on Saturday 5 December. To order the fight call: 08442 410 888