North-East England is Britain's boxing capital, says Jaffa the Mackem
Tony Jeffries has confirmed the news that any sensible British boxing fan has known for some time now - the north-east has overtaken Sheffield, London and Manchester as the capital of British boxing.
The big ticket selling Sunderland warrior (7-0) helped revive boxing in the area by winning an Olympic bronze medal in 2008. And he’ll be set for his first professional crown if he defeats Pole Michael Banbula (10-25-3) at Rainton Meadows Arena on Friday (23 July).
Banbula recently caused one of the biggest upsets of 2010, by defeating former British light-heavyweight champion Tony Oakey. Jeffries said: “The number of fighters emerging from the north-east is incredible and people will see how much talent we have on Friday.
“When we had the press conference every lad on the bill was someone I had boxed with from the amateurs apart from Nigel Wright who was in the England squad before I came through.
“The talent is there because this is the main place to be for boxing in England.”
Promoter and honorary Mackem Frank Maloney believes it is only a matter of time before the north-east is celebrating another world champion and believes that will be Jeffries.
Maloney added: “I have been in that area when Glenn McCrory and Billy Hardy fought for world titles and the atmosphere was incredible.
“Those are the sort of nights I want up there again.”
Heading the bill being televised by Sky Sports is another rising star, from the area's true capital, Darlington - Stuey Hall (8-0-1) who makes the first defence of his British bantamweight title against former holder Martin Power (21-5) The pair first waged war last September when Hall stopped the Londoner in the eighth round of a thrilling battle.
Crook’s 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).
Further, as Maloney has realised the north east of England isn't the most prosperous area of the country, the 'Mental Mackem Midget' is offering a discount on tickets for next season's world title showdown between Steve Molitor and Jason Booth to all those who attend this Friday's bill.
The Saturday September 11th undercard will feature the cream of north-east boxing including Jeffries. Fans who attend Friday's show will be able to buy £95 ringside tickets for just £85. £35 tickets will be available for just £28.
The offer will only be available to customers attending this week's show and the special offer tickets for the world title bill will be sold inside the arena. Maloney said: “Money is tight especially during August when kids are off school and it is the holiday season so I think this is way of appreciating north-east fans who are being asked to fork out twice inside a few weeks for big time boxing.
“The discount is competitive and I am sure there will be plenty of people taking up the chance to save a few quid on Friday.
Tickets for Friday's big night of action, price £30 and £70 are available from 0871 226 1508 or www.frankmaloney.com
