Banbula could prove a testing task for Jeffries

Sunderland's Olympic medallist and local hero Tony 'Jaffa' Jeffries will move closer to his first professional title when he has his first eight rounder later this month. The Olympic bronze medallist (7-0) meets in form Pole Michael Banbula (10-25-3) at Rainton Meadows Arena, Houghton-le-Spring and Friday July 23.

Banbula, 29, and based in Surrey has won his last three fights and ended the career of former British light-heavyweight champion Tony Oakey when he last boxed in May.

Promoter Frank Maloney said: “This is all part of Tony’s learning and if he keeps progressing he could have an international ten rounder later this year or even his first title bout.

“Banbula is from a winning stable and although he win over Oakey was hardly noticed, beating Tony will put him on the map.

“I know Tony has only had seven fights, but I have no worries about putting him an eight rounder. If you’re good enough, you’re ready.”

By the way, although Jeffries has looked increasingly impressive of late, if Banbula is in the mood, he could give the Mackem absolute nightmares.  He's the type of fighter that ringside rats like me see but the general public doesn't.  Banbula, who strikes me as a confidence fighter, is very talented and desperately underrated.  If his head and preparation are right, Jeffries will find him an awkward proposition.

Top of the bill is Stuey Hall (8-0-1) who makes the first defence of his British bantamweight title against Martin Power (21-5) in a rematch. The pair fought a torrid non-title war last September when Hall stopped the former champion in the eighth round.

Maloney is ending the season with a bumper bill, and a second title fight sees another Londoner Matthew Marsh face Scot Kris Hughes for the vacant Commonwealth super-bantamweight title.

In a third title fight, Nigel Wright (21-6) who conquered former world champion Alex Arthur in his last battle contests the vacant English light-welterweight crown against Wolverhampton’s Dean Harrison (16-3).

Tickets for the big night of action, price £30 and £70 are available from 0871 226 1508 or www.frankmaloney.com