Nina C’s Touch Glove Promotions today released the promotional video for the upcoming May Bank Holiday weekend mini UK tour by the real life subjects of the box office hit movie ‘The Fighter’, ‘Irish’ Micky Ward and his half brother Dickie Eklund.
Micky, who was played by Mark Wahlberg in the movie, has stated that he is relishing returning to the UK, the first time being when he challenged, and beat, Liverpool’s Shea ‘The Shamrock Express’ Neary, at Olympia in Kensington in March 2000, to capture the World Boxing Union Light Welterweight title.
Whilst without doubt a magnificent victory, especially so when you consider Neary had successfully defended his title five times since beating Darryl Tyson to lift the title in October 1996, Micky is better known as one of the protagonists, the other the late Arturo Gatti, in the greatest trilogy of fights of all time.
Incidentally Mark Wahlberg, accompanied by Micky and Dickie, stated at the Spike TV Guys Choice Awards last year “We left out the Arturo Gatti fights for a reason… because that’s for ‘Fighter 2.” Hopefully this means the sequel should be hitting the silver screen in the very near future.
That aside, back to Micky and Dickie’s upcoming visit, whilst here in the UK the boys will be undertaking three ‘Audience With’ appearances, the first takes place at the Hilton Metropole in London, on Saturday the 5th May, then the pair will make the short trip to the Crown Plaza in Maldon, Essex for their second appearance on Sunday 6th May and then finally the boys will be at the Priestfield Suite in Gillingham, Kent on Monday 7th May.
In addition Micky and Dickie will also be visiting the famous TRAD TKO Boxing Gym deep in the heart of London’s East End, Brentwood ABC in Essex and O’Neill’s Gym in Margate Kent, where they will meet local underprivileged kids, who will have the opportunity to work out with the legends and, hopefully, generate some fundraising for the OneLife UK charitable organization.
Tickets priced, VIP – £120 (includes photograph with Micky Ward and Dickie Eklund and as well as front row seats and a meal) and Gold – £100 (which also includes a meal) are available on line at www.tkoboxoffice.com and www.touchglovepromotions.co.uk or call Touch Glove Promotions Office 01277-410167 10-6pm
Link to video – http://youtu.be/qnw7KfKiU-I
FIGHTING AT THE ECHO ARENA “A DREAM COME TRUE” FOR LIVERPOOL’S JOE TONKS
By Chris Walker: Professional boxing has been a mixed bag for Liverpool’s Joe Tonks thus far, but the former Salisbury ABC starlet is insistent that he has turned that proverbial corner as he aims to continue his ring education. A student of Oliver Harrison’s Salford establishment, Tonks is unbeaten since making the switch there after two consecutive defeats and he believes the relocation has made him a “more complete fighter.”
“Moving to Oliver’s was the right decision at the right time and it was a decision that was given blessings by father, even though it was difficult to walk away from him. My Dad’s been in my corner since day one and I know he’ll always be there to help but we both just thought that a change of scenery could do me the world of good. Since coming here, I’ve been getting top sparring and Oliver’s advice has been so valuable to me. I’ve just got to continue improving the way I have been and we’ll take it one fight at a time.”
The sparring that Tonks refers to includes multiple rounds with title class campaigners, Derry Mathews and John Watson. The latter, a gym-mate of Tonks, also appears on the huge April 13th Echo Arena extravaganza and the Whiston-based youngster is grateful for the contribution of the two-time Lonsdale belt challenger.
“Getting in there with John is a good experience and you’re always thinking during every minute of every round,” revealed Tonks.
“I’ve done lots with John and I’ve also been doing quite a bit in my Dad’s gym with Stevie Williams so that shows that I’m cutting no corners in my preparations. Already this year, I’ve done tons and tons of rounds with John, Williams and Derry so I’ve just got to take the stuff that I’m learning and put it all together on fight night.”
With the day of destiny fast approaching us, Tonks contains a tad of excitement as he moves from the leisure centre circuit to his first arena show in only his seventh outing.
“This is a big thing for me and I’m not going to let the occasion get the better of me. Fighting on a Tony Bellew show is a big thing for me because how well he has done, but fighting on one of his shows at the Echo Arena is like a dream come true for me and I’m determined to leave my mark.”
David Coldwell in association with Eddie Hearn present ‘The Big Bang’ which is live and exclusive on Sky Sports HD on Friday, 13th April. Doors open at 5.30pm.
Tickets are priced at £30, £40, £60, £80, VIP tickets £150 and all available from;
www.coldwellboxing.com
www.matchroomboxing.com
Follow @davidcoldwell on Twitter for regular updates on all our fighters and shows.