Munroe world title eliminator announced at Team Maloney gathering
The King's Arms pub is a short walk from London Bridge Station. Outside, workmen were busy digging and rebuilding the shape of a London Road while inside workmen of a fighting nature were gathered together with a common goal of building and advertising careers which could change the shape of British boxing history.
'The Pugilist College 2010 Graduates' read the headline on Frank Maloney’s press handout. According to the Chislehurst-based promoter this was an informal get together to meet some of the most exciting fighters in British boxing.
He has no doubts that each of the 15 men listed will be big names on the boxing scene throughout the next 12 months and even though all of them were not there in person one could hardly complain with the likes of Rendall Munroe, Tony Jefferies, Ashley Sexton and the heavyweight trio of Larry Olubamiwo, David Price and John McDermott all doing their bit to get guys like me writing and hopefully more people talking about them.
Frank opened the conference in a good spirited and friendly manner. He said the overall message to leave and transfer was “Boxing is not dead, it’s a great sport and is growing.”
Just after he started, latecomer John McDermott began running for the door with Frank remarking, “That’s more than he does when he trains.”
Of course Maloney was only joking because based on the way he made Tyson Fury look not too ready for the big league just yet last September, if that’s what a lack of road work does for you then we won’t be seeing too many fighters pounding the streets anymore!
After proceedings got under way, Frank promptly opened the floor for the fighting press to fire away. But none were too keen in coming forward, so I got in early.
“What would be success for you as a promoter this year?” I asked.
Maloney swiftly answered, “To see Rendall (Munroe) win a world title, to see some justice for McDermott and for my Olympians Jefferies and Price to come through.”
The main announcement of the afternoon was that Rendall (who Frank says is the star of his stable) will be having a final eliminator for the WBC super-bantamweight against Mexican Victor Terrazas on St. George’s Day April 23rd.
It’s not going to be easy for the likeable Munroe as this opponent has a more than decent record of 25-1-1 (17). And history tells us that no Mexican comes or is beaten easily.
A bit of fighting talk came from the mouth of John McDermott who said he is ready for Tyson Fury any time. And when his time comes there will be no need for the judges if John backs up his claim of knocking Tyson out.
Frank has certainly taught them how to conduct and engage themselves with the media and I hope more promoters take a leaf out of his book.
With all of these fine young men in the hands of Frank. I asked him “If you adopted one who would it be and why”?
The answer soon came back “All of them, but my wife won’t allow it.”
Well Frank you may not quite be their Dad but if you treat them as one of your own and if they go to the level their potential projects you will have done a job any father would be proud of.
Coming soon - Rendall Munroe interview.
