New Year For Prizefighter Star George Jupp, Faces Dan Naylor

By: Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro
(January 5th) Choi Tseveenpurev may have won the Prizefighter-Featherweights tournament back in October, but it was without doubt his semifinal opponent, 20 year old ‘Saint’ George Jupp, that stole the limelight - and the plaudits, for his sensational performance against the twice his age two-time World Champion.

The Belvedere youngster showed a maturity that belied his tender years as he traded with the Mongolian Warrior, matching him punch for punch throughout, only to lose out on a place in the final by the slimmest of margins.

Jupp’s disappointment, of not making the final and potentially winning the £32K prize money, was short lived as within days Francis and George Warren signed him to a promotional contract with their Queensberry Promotions organisation.

To complete his joy, the Warren brothers have ‘Saint’ George making his maiden outing, under their promotional banner, on the undercard of fellow TRAD TKO Boxing Gym and Queensberry Promotions team mate Leon ‘Solid’ Williams’ first defense of his British Cruiserweight title, against Shane McPhilbin, at York Hall in Bethnal Green, London, on Friday, 13th January.

Following a sparring session, with Super Bantamweight Commonwealth Champ Carl Frampton, yesterday Jupp spoke briefly about the Choi battle, “Yeah, it was a close fight, I couldn’t really scream about the decision as it could have gone either way.

If ten people watched it, five thought I won and five thought he won.

I thought it was a good fight and I take a lot of confidence from that, I mean he’s a two time World Champion and there’s no one at my level that’s going to have done that.”

before moving onto discuss the upcoming bout against Dan Naylor, “I’ve seen a few video’s of Dan, he’s quite a slick southpaw. I’m glad I’m fighting someone like him so I can show my skills to full effect.

He’s in your face, unlike some other opponents, which suits me and my style of fighting.

I keep doing what I’m doing, hopefully this six rounder goes OK and I get a few rounds under my belt.

It’s important to get a couple of six rounders under my belt as hopefully within the next twelve months or so I’ll then be able to get in position for a shot at the Southern Area title.

Saying that I’ll keep looking at each fight as gaining more experience, I will never look past any opponent as each fight is an important part of my learning curve.

It’s hard not to think of titles as we’re doing really well here at the TRAD TKO at the moment, we have had so many Champions over the past year, I think it’s five or six.

That’s why I’m really glad to be fighting on this show, as one of our British Champions, Leon Williams, is headlining.

I can’t wait, I’ve been training hard all over Christmas, been getting some good sparring with Michael Maguire, he’s lighter than me and he’s so good technically he’s hard work. If you can catch him with a clean punch you can catch anyone.

Also been sparring with Juris (Varuskins), he’s quite a tough kid, he pushes you for every round, and Danny (Connor), he’s a bit heavier than me, a bit of an awkward type and of course today was sparring Carl (Frampton), he’s already a champion so very much on top of his game. So I’m getting the best of all worlds, sparring like, with all the different styles.

I am really happy with the way the training and sparring has been going and I’m really looking forward to the 13th.”

‘Saint’ George Jupp, against Dan Naylor, features on the undercard of Leon ‘Solid’ Williams versus Shane McPhilbin for the British Cruiserweight title headlines Francis and George Warren’s Queensberry Promotions first event of the New Year, which takes place at York Hall, Bethnal Green, London, on Friday 13th January 2012 and broadcast live on BoxNation (Sky platform Channel 456 & Virgin 546)

Tickets, Standard Seated - £40 and Ringside SOLD OUT for Williams vs. McPhilbin are available now on-line at www.tkoboxoffice.com. Tickets are also available direct from the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym, Gillian House, Stephenson Street, Canning Town, London E16 4SA. 

______________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Amateur Star Charlie Hoy Ready For Pro Debut On January 13th

By: Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro
(January 5th) Former Repton Amateur star Charlie Hoy makes his professional debut, against Newport’s Darren Pryce, on the undercard of TRAD TKO Gym mate Leon ‘Solid’ Williams’ British Cruiserweight title defense at York Hall in London on Friday, 13th January, 2012.

Hoy, who is trained by Jimmy and Mark Tibbs at the famous Canning Town gym, had a stellar amateur record of 68 fights, of which he only lost 10, and won various national titles, including three schoolboy ABAs, three Four Nations, three ABCs and reached the finals of the Senior ABAs in 2011.

Speaking earlier, Hoy obviously feels he is well prepared for his maiden pro-outing as he said, “I’m really looking forward to it, I’m excited to be debuting at York Hall on the 13th.

I have two great trainers, Jimmy and Mark Tibbs, behind me, so my preparations have been first class, as has the sparring.

I’ve had the best sparring I could possibly get, the best Super Flyweight in the country Michael Maguire, English Flyweight Champion Ashley Sexton and former British Bantamweight Champion Martin Power, there’s nothing better than that really.

All the hard work’s been done in the gym so I’m just going to go out there and enjoy myself and hopefully get a good win on the 13th.”

Charlie Hoy, against Darren Pryce, features on the undercard of Leon ‘Solid’ Williams versus Shane McPhilbin for the British Cruiserweight title that headlines Francis and George Warren’s Queensberry Promotions first event of the New Year, which takes place at York Hall, Bethnal Green, London, on Friday 13th January 2012 and broadcast live on BoxNation (Sky platform Channel 456 & Virgin 546)

_____________________________________________________________________________________ 

Williams Unfazed by Late Change,
Says He’ll Crush McPhilbin Jan 13th

(January 3rd) British Cruiserweight Champion Leon “Solid” Williams is in bullish mood, following the news that he will now defend his coveted Lonsdale Belt against Bulwell, Nottinghamshire’s Shane McPhilbin on the 13th January at York Hall.

Just before Christmas William’s original opponent, Tony Conquest, was forced to withdraw due to illness, which opened the door for Midlands Area Champ McPhilbin to step up to the plate for a crack at the big one.

Speaking earlier today Williams clearly had long time friend Conquest‘s plight in mind, as he said “First and foremost I hope Tony gets better soon, I was really looking forward to us fighting each other again, as I’m sure he was.” Before adding, “I’m sure he’ll get his chance again.”

The Streatham based Champion then changed tack and spoke briefly about his preparations, “I’m a hundred and ten percent ready for the 13th, it doesn’t matter to me who they put in front of me, Johnny (Eames) and Barry (Smith) have been pushing me, working me hard and honing my skills for any eventuality.”

Had some great sparring over Christmas with Mitchell (Balker), Menay (Edwards) and my new gym mate Paul David (English Super Middleweight Champion).

Paul’s my new main sparring partner. He’s very awkward, very cagey. It would have been great to have had him here when I was preparing for Rob Norton.

As I said here at the TRAD TKO I have a great team around me, got plenty of great sparring partners and it’s all good, it’s almost perfect and the guy that’s fighting me now is gonna get crushed.

I know nothing about him, as far as I’m concerned he’s just an opponent for me to beat up, I’m the Champion and I’m gonna stay the Champion, I’m gonna look so good on TV as I beat him up, yeaaah.”

Leon “Solid” Williams versus Shane McPhilbin, for the British Cruiserweight title, headlines Francis and George Warren’s Queensberry Promotions first event of the New Year, which takes place at York Hall, Bethnal Green, London, on Friday 13th January 2012 and broadcast live on BoxNation (Sky platform Channel 456 & Virgin 546)

Tickets, Standard Seated - ú40 and Ringside SOLD OUT for Williams vs. McPhilbin are available now on-line at www.tkoboxoffice.com. Tickets are also available direct from the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym, Gillian House, Stephenson Street, Canning Town, London E16 4SA.

Contact and photo: Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro, JustListen2This Publicity & Promotion, London, UK, Gzira, Malta & Philadelphia, USA Tel: (UK) +44( 0)208 166 5694, Tel: (UK) +44 (0)7960 850645, Tel: (UK) +44 (0) 7557 641597, Skype: GianlucaDiCaro, rio@justlisten2this.com, http://twitter.com/LucaDiCaro, www.justlisten2this.com

___________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Michael Maguire: Christmas Canceled,
Faces Najah Ali January 13th 

(December 23rd) Super Flyweight sensation Michael Maguire’s much anticipated return to the ring earlier this month failed to materialise, following opponent Najah Ali having to withdraw the day before they were due to face each other on the undercard of the Lee Selby-John Simpson British and Commonwealth title clash.

Earlier today Francis and George Warren announced that the match up, between the former Junior European Champion Maguire and 2004 Olympian Ali, will now take place on the undercard of Maguire TRAD TKO team mate Leon “Solid” Williams British Cruiserweight title defense, against Southern Area Champ Tony æThe Conquero Conquest, at York Hall in London on Friday 13th January 2012.

Following a full on sparring session with Super Featherweight George Jupp, who is also on the card on the 13th, former World under-nineteen #1 Maguire said, Najah had the flu so obviously couldn’t fight me then, so we’ll fight on January 13th instead.

He’ll be fitter, he will be training hard to try and beat me, which he wont because I’m going all the way to the top.

I‘ve started training hard so I’m ready for the new date. I’ve been sparring George Jupp, I really rate him, he’s really good. He’s two or three weights above me and I can stand and trade with him, which is good

Also been sparring with Martin (Power), he’s all right, you know what I mean, he’s strong on the inside but too easy to pick off.

I’m 22, I’ve always cheated myself in life yet still won my fights, now I’m doing everything right so I come back better and better.

It’s hard being away from my family over Christmas but I just have to knuckle down and do all the stuff that I hadn’t done before and it’ll pay off so it’s worth it. I’m taking this return serious, no messing I’m going all out to beat Najah on the 13th.ö

Michael Maguire versus Najah Ali features on the undercard of Leon “Solid” Williams British Cruiserweight title defense against Tony “Conqueror” Conquest which headlines Francis and George Warren’s Queensberry Promotions first event of the New Year, which takes place at York Hall, Bethnal Green, London, on Friday 13th January 2012 and broadcast live on BoxNation (Sky platform Channel 456 & Virgin 546)

Tickets, Standard Seated $40 and Ringside SOLD OUT for Williams vs. Conquest are available now on-line at www.tkoboxoffice.com. Tickets are also available direct from the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym, Gillian House, Stephenson Street, Canning Town, London E16 4SA.
______________________________________________________________________________________________ 

 Michael Maguire’s Return Bought Forward,
Faces Najah Ali On Wednesday

By: Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro
(December 12th) Sensational Super Flyweight prospect Michael Maguire’s much anticipated return to the ring has been bought forward and will now take place on the undercard of the Queensberry Promotions event, headlined by the Lee Selby versus John Simpson British and Commonwealth title clash, at York Hall this coming Wednesday.

The bout, which was originally scheduled to take place in Liverpool on Friday, sees the former amateur World under-nineteen #1 in action against another former amateur star, 2004 Olympian Najah Ali.

Maguire, who recently returned to training at the TRAD TKO Gym in Canning Town following a two year sabbatical from the sport, seemed unconcerned with the change of date and venue when he spoke earlier, “I don’t care where or when I fight, I’ve been training hard for it and can’t wait to get the first one over and done with.

I’ve had some sparring with Martin Power and Charlie Hoy, I’m happy with myself, I’ve been doing six rounds easily now and want to do more rounds as I’m getting fitter and fitter.”

The 22 year old from Peterborough then went on to talk briefly on his decision to take a break and why he felt it was now time to return to the fray, “I think I turned over a bit soon and felt I needed a little time out.

I feel I’ve come back at the right age. I’m training harder, feeling stronger and believe I can really go somewhere now.

Michael Maguire versus Najah Ali features on the Francis and George Warren’s Queensberry promotions event, headlined by the British and Commonwealth Featherweight title clash between Lee Selby and John Simpson. takes place at the York Hall in Bethnal Green, and broadcast live on BoxNation (Sky platform Ch. 456 and Virgin 546), on Wednesday the 14th December 2011.

___________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Tough Test For Freddie Turner - Faces Kevin McCauley on Dec 14th

(December 7th) On Wednesday 14th December Canning TownÆs exciting unbeaten Welterweight prospect Freddie Turner will be making the short journey to the York Hall in Bethnal Green, where he is set to face BirminghamÆs Kevin McCauley.

With just four pro bouts under his belt, all won by shutout 40-36 points margin, young Freddie will surely be facing the toughest fight of his fledgling career to date, as McCauley is not just more experienced but also the reigning British Masters Light Middleweight Champion.

Saying that Freddie is more than confident that he will win through on the night, having said earlier, ôYes, just found out itÆll be Kevin McCauley IÆll be fighting on the 14th.

HeÆs a tough kid who loves to come forward. HeÆs no walk over, I mean he went to Scotland and beat Craig Windsor Jnr. in his own back yard to win the British Masters title last month. I think that says all that needs to be said about him.

That doesnÆt bother me though, I never mind who I fight, I believe in my talent and ability and hopefully itÆll all come together on the night.

IÆve been training hard, allÆs well and looking good. I live clean and train hard, nothing can stop me now really.

IÆm with the best training team, Jimmy and Mark Tibbs, in the country at the minute and theyÆre producing great champions.

IÆm in a great, great stable, again the best in the UK - The TRAD TKO. ThereÆs always plenty of great sparring, itÆs really good and I really enjoy it here.

AllÆs really well and I canÆt wait for the 14th, heÆs gonna get smashed.ö

Freddie Turner, against Kevin McCauley, features on the Francis and George WarrenÆs Queensberry promotions event, headlined by the British and Commonwealth Featherweight title clash between Lee Selby and John Simpson. takes place at the York Hall in Bethnal Green, and broadcast live on Sky Sports, on Wednesday the 14th December 2011.

Tickets, priced ú60 (Ringside) and ú40 (Standard Seated), are available now on-line at www.tkoboxoffice.com or from the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym, Gillian House, Stephenson Street, Canning Town, London E16 4SA

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Williams-Conquest January 13th British Title Clash

(December 1st) Tickets for the highly anticipated British Cruiserweight title clash between Leon ‘Solid’ Williams and Tony ‘Conqueror’ Conquest, which takes place at York Hall in London on Friday 13th January 2012, and broadcast live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky 456 & Virgin 546), go on sale today on the TKO Box Office website www.tkoboxoffice.com.  

Francis and George Warren’s Queensberry Promotions organisation really have pulled out all the stops to ensure their first event of 2012 is an explosive, all action, extravaganza.

The headlining Williams-Conquest perfectly sets the scene, these two are without doubt the two best, most exciting and all action Cruiserweights in the country today an the contrast in their styles guarantees a true Battle Royale on the 13th.

Streatham’s Williams, who will be making the first defense of the title he wrestled off long time British and Commonwealth Champion Rob Norton back in October, is a no nonsense come forward power puncher right out of the ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson mould, something Tony Conquest can readily attest to - Williams knocked him out in just 45 seconds when they fought previously as amateurs.

Williams bought that power and knockout reputation with him upon turning pro. His debut bout didn’t even go one round, as Williams dropped Bobby Scott with the very first punch he threw, a violent left hook!

Prior to the Norton title showdown Williams stopped both his previous opponents, on his defense of the Southern Area title, in May this year, Williams knocked Danny Couzens out cold after just thirty seconds of the fourth round. Williams followed that with a sensational fifth round stoppage of Battersea’s fighting fireman Nick ‘The Ox’ Okoth in September.

Conquest on the other hand is a fast handed stylish boxer whose fights normally go the distance. His only stoppage to date came in March this year, when he stopped Ghana’s Prince George Akrong in the first minute of the sixth round.

Conquest earned the right to challenge Williams for the coveted Lonsdale belt with a superb victory over Toks Owoh in November to lift the Southern Area strap Williams had vacated just a few weeks earlier.

Throughout the fight Conquest plain out boxed the former Super Middleweight supremo. Right from the opening bell and for ten rounds Conquest worked at a high pace, peppering Owoh non stop with shot after shot for every minute of every round to earn the win by a shut out 99-91 points margin.

The Warren brothers have put together a seriously top class support card for Williams-Conquest, headed by an almighty heavyweight clash between Larry ‘The War Machine’ Olabamiwo and former Commonwealth Champion Sam Sexton, which without doubt will be yet another highly volatile affair.

Also on the card are Williams’ TRAD TKO Gym mates ‘Saint’ George Jupp and Charlie Hoy as well as the highly popular Stetson wearing John Wayne Hibbert, sensational unbeaten Welterweight prospect ‘Super’ Bradley Skeete, Daryl Williams and John Dignam, all against yet to be named opponents.

Leon ‘Solid’ Williams Versus Tony ‘Conqueror’ Conquest for the British Cruiserweight title headlines Francis and George Warren’s Queensberry Promotions first event of the New Year, which takes place at York Hall, Bethnal Green, London, on Friday 13th January 2012 and broadcast live on BoxNation (Sky platform Channel 456 & Virgin 546)

Contact and photo: Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro, JustListen2This Publicity & Promotion, London, UK, Gzira, Malta & Philadelphia, USA Tel: (UK) +44( 0)208 166 5694, Tel: (UK) +44 (0)7960 850645, Tel: (UK) +44 (0) 7557 641597, Skype: GianlucaDiCaro, rio@justlisten2this.com, http://twitter.com/LucaDiCaro, www.justlisten2this.com
_____________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Title Shot For Nathan Weise vs Steve O’Meara December 14th

(November 28th) One of the most exciting young prospects from Johnny Eames’ always excellent TRAD TKO stable, ‘Sugar’ Nathan Weise, gets his first taste of Championship action - when he challenges West Drayton’s Steve O’Meara for the Southern Area Light Middleweight title on December 14th.

Weise-O’Meara will be chief support to the Lee Selby versus John Simpson British Featherweight title clash at Francis and George Warren’s Queensberry Promotions event at York Hall in Bethnal Green on Wednesday, 14th December and broadcast live on BoxNation (Sky platform Channel 456 & Virgin 546).

Speaking earlier Weise made it clear that he intends to emulate TRAD TKO gym mates; Southern Area Lightweight Champion Ben Murphy, Southern Area Middleweight Champion Billy Joe Saunders, British Cruiserweight Champion Leon ‘Solid’ Williams, British Welterweight Champion Colin Lynes and WBO Inter-Continental Lightweight Champion Kevin Mitchell, who all bought back titles to the famous Canning Town gym this year.

“First of all I want to thank my manager, Johnny Eames, for getting me the opportunity to fight for the Southern Area title.

My last fight I drew against former Champ Ryan Toms, who Steve O’Meara beat to get the title.

If it wasn’t for the knockdown I would have won the fight, but that’s boxing for you. It only takes one punch.

I showed heart and got up and got myself back in the fight. As I said if it wasn’t for the knockdown I would have won.

I can see this fight being a whole different type of fight, as I don’t think O’Meara’s as big a puncher as Ryan Toms, even though he stopped him in the first round his record doesn’t say he’s a big puncher, he’s more of a stylist boxer.

I see this fight being more of a chess match, but he’s a champion so I’m going to have to put it on him, take it to him and take the fight from him.

My trainer, Mark Tibbs, has had me training so hard in the gym in preparation for this fight, training’s spot on.

I only boxed just over three weeks ago so really I’ve been training for this fight for seven or eight weeks already. I’m going to be in tip top shape, I’m ready to go

You know what they say ‘styles makes fights’ and I just can’t wait to get in there and win the Southern Area title.

I’m not going to say I am going to stop him but I’m going to outwork him out hustle him and bring the title back to the TRAD TKO gym, where it belongs, and have a good Christmas.”

                             (Nathan Weise in action against Aaron Fox earlier this year)
Nathan Weise versus Steve O’Meara for the Southern Area Light Middleweight Championship takes place on the Francis and George Warren’s Queensberry Promotions event at York Hall, Bethnal Green, London, on Wednesday 14th December 2011 and broadcast live on BoxNation (Sky platform Channel 456 & Virgin 546)

Contact and photo: Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro, JustListen2This Publicity & Promotion, London, UK, Gzira, Malta & Philadelphia, USA Tel: (UK) +44( 0)208 166 5694, Tel: (UK) +44 (0)7960 850645, Tel: (UK) +44 (0) 7557 641597, Skype: GianlucaDiCaro, rio@justlisten2this.com, http://twitter.com/LucaDiCaro, www.justlisten2this.com  

___________________________________________________________________________________________

New WBF Champions Crowned In Poland and France

(November 27th) Saturday November 26 was another busy WBF championship fight-night, as new champions were crowned in Poland and France.

Aleksy Kuziemski and Doudou Ngumbu battled it out for the vacant World Light Heavyweight title in Byalistok, while Loic Foure and Stefan Worth clashed for the International Welterweight strap in Saint Maur.

Ngumbu Beats Kuziemski For World Light Heavyweight Crown

Doudou Ngumbu of France is the new World Boxing Federation (WBF) World Light Heavyweight Champion after impressively beating Aleksy Kuziemski for the vacant title in Bialystok, Poland on Saturday night, November 26.

Ngumbu got the unanimous decision by scores of 118-11 and 116-113 twice, and improved his record to 28-3 (11). Kuziemski is now 22-4 (6), and came up short for the third time in world championship fights.

Both contestants entered the bout brimming with confidence, and with an enthusiastic crowd cheering him on Kuziemski was by many considered the favorite to win. But Ngumbu had other plans, and quickly established himself as the quicker and more dynamic of the two.

The Frenchman got off to a good start and never really let Kuziemski into the fight. In round five Ngumbu caught the hometown-hero with a swift combination that had Kuziemski visibly hurt, and only the vast experience of the Pole kept him from suffering a knockdown.

Kuziemski did have his moments, and at times managed to keep Ngumbu at bay with long straight punches. But it was only moments, and the visitor always seemed to come back to take control.

After twelve somewhat one-sided rounds, nobody really had any doubts that Ngumbu deserved the unanimous decision. He showed his world-class qualities, and is a worthy new world champion.

The Fight was promoted by Dariusz Snarski and his Boxing Production, and televised throughout Poland on Canal+.

                        “Four De France” Clinches International Title

                                        

He gave it his all, but when the final bell rang after 10 intense rounds, Germany's Stefan Worth still came up short and left hometown favourite Loic Foure going home the new World Boxing Federation International welterweight champion on Saturday (Nov. 26) at Saint Maur, France.

Luxembourg judges Tonio Tiberi and Dominique Schmit both arrived at identical scores of 96:94, while French judge André Pasquier had his countryman ahead by an incredible 97:93. However, most rounds were hotly contested and often there was little to separate the two warriors. Still, were it not for a huge effort by Foure in the last round - which got his army of fans screaming madly - Worth would have clinched a majority draw.

In fact, it was the man from Cologne, now 12-2-1 (3), who landed the best shot of the fight. A mighty left hook in round seven shook Foure down to his toes and dislodged his mouthpiece. But instead of going for the kill, the 26-year-old Worth inexplicably stepped back to allow referee Noel Monnet to replace the safety device! This piece of sportsmanship might well have cost Stefan the victory.

"I have no complains," Worth said immediately afterwards, "I just hope we can have a rematch. This time I came to his city, so maybe he can come to my place for a return. I think it was a very good action fight." Most definitely it was and Loic Foure bathed in the adoration of his fans, who had filled the 1.500-seater Salle Omnisports to the last place, after winning the first championship of his seven-year professional career at the age of 31, in the process improving his record to 17-8-2 (4). 

_______________________________________________________________________________________ 

Big Fight Preview - The Edge Of Glory For Ali Adams

By Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro
Back in March this year 20 year old Olivia Goodwin became the youngest ever person to be licensed as a promoter by the British Boxing Board of Control, a couple of months later, on the 4th June, she made history again by promoting her first event, the massively successful ‘Search and Destroy’ headlined by Ryan Barrett versus Geoffrey Munika for the International Masters Lightweight title.

For her second event of the year ‘Edge of Glory’ - which takes place at York Hall in Bethnal Green on Saturday 3rd December - Olivia has another championship fight headlining, this time featuring Ali ‘The Tiger’ Adams, against a yet to be named opponent, for the International Masters Heavyweight title.

Baghdad born Adams is probably best known by British fans for his gutsy
performance against former British, Commonwealth and European Heavyweight
Champ Matt Skelton in Prizefighter - The Heavyweights lV back in September
2010.

It was a tough first round draw for Adams, who had fought just eleven times, compared to Skelton’s thirty one, but the relative novice showed the heart of a Tiger as he battled it out gamely over the three rounds. Adams may not have beat the highly decorated war lord, but he sure won the hearts and minds of a lot of fans that night.

Since that loss Adams has gone on to comfortably win three times, the first in November 2010 see him knockout Nick ‘The Ox’ Okoth after just thirty three seconds of the second round.

Adams followed this up with a solid points victory over tough Lithuanian Igoris Borucha, back in June this year, and in his final bout to date Adams comprehensively out boxed Hungary’s Gabor Farkas to earn a 60-53 points victory.

Adams is intent on stepping up to make a serious assault on the international Championship circuit, this bout being the first step on the path to a World title challenge in the next year or so.

Adams’ coach, Don Charles, knows the score better than most – former British and Commonwealth Champion Dereck Chisora is the flag bearer of the Don Charles squad - and is used to his charges fighting for titles, so am pretty sure the game plan will reflect that. I think we’ll see Adams come out fast, either looking for an early finish or to get some big rounds
under his belt early on.

To support the battle of the big boys Olivia has put together a top class card, featuring some of the best young talent from London and the home counties.

Heading up the list is former English Super Featherweight Champion Ryan ‘Mr. Attitude’ Barrett, who will be facing Latvian Jevgenijs Kirillovs in a six round Welterweight contest.

Barrett, who switched to the Welterweight division following the surprise loss of his International Masters Lightweight title to Geoffrey Munika back in June, seems comfortable at the new weight as was clear by his excellent performance to out point Latvian Sergejs Volodins in October.

Without doubt Barrett will be looking at quickly establishing himself in the Welterweight division in order to get back into championship contention again as soon as possible. As such you can be sure he will be looking to impress, by getting Volodins out of there as quickly as possible.

British Masters Super Bantamweight Champion Paul ‘Spartan’ Economides makes his first ever appearance at York Hall when he takes part in a six round international contest against a yet to be named opponent.

Comeback kid, Luton’s Michael ‘Chunky’ Devine, will be looking to extend his three fight winning streak, since his surprise loss to Mark ‘The Flash’ Alexander back in April last year, when he takes on tough Dewsbury, Yorkshire, based Syrian Youssef Al Hamidi.

Devine will surely be looking for a repeat of his last fight, where he stopped Vladimiras Balaklijec in just one minute and fifty seven seconds of the second round - but not just that he had put the tough Lithuanian down three times in the round as well.

Another knockout artist on the show, the big hitting ‘Eltham Assassin’ Billy Cayzer, who has a perfect two fight, two wins - by knockout – will certainly be looking to make it three out of three when he comes up against Lithuanian based Ukranian Oleksiy Chukov.

Former World Kick Boxing Champion Ilir Canolli has had a great start since switching to boxing in April this year, like Billy Cayzer the Hamstead based Albanian has a perfect two fight - two wins record and will be bidding to take his record to three out of three when he faces tough Lithuanian Aleksejus Stanvekius.

Ipswich’s Henry Bacon demolished Bobby Wood in under a minute back in September and will surely be aiming for more of the same against Peckham’s Diego Burton.

One of the new boys in the Cruiserweight division, Colin ‘Butch’ Goldhawk will be making his second pro outing - his opponent Rolandas Cesna is well known to the York Hall faithful, having already fought both Scott Whyley and Ilir Canolli at the famous venue.

Burnt Oak Middleweight Mark ‘Pee Wee’ Adams gets a tough second pro outing, when he comes up against the highly experienced Billy Smith, who will be looking to have a good win to celebrate his one hundred and twenty first pro bout.

Leytonstone’s Philip ‘Quicksilver’ Bowes also gets a tough veteran campaigner, the one and only Johnny Greaves, for his second pro outing.

Brighton’s Nicky Jenman makes his first trip to the York Hall to take on Martyn King from Cumbria.

Crawley’s unbeaten Light Welterweight prospect Ross Payne will be looking to extend his perfect 3-0 record when he faces the highly experienced Kristian Laight from Nuneaton.

Also on the card are Peckham’s unbeaten Heavyweight Dillian ‘The Villain’ Whyte, Mitcham’s Danny ‘Cassius’ Connor and Prizefighter Light Middleweight semifinalist Kris Agyei-Dua, all against yet to be named opponents.

Olivia Goodwin’s ‘Edge of Glory’ event, headlined by Ali ‘The Tiger’ Adams, against a yet to be named opponent, for the International Masters Heavyweight title, takes place at the York Hall in Bethnal Green on Saturday 3rd December 2011.

Tickets, priced £60 (Ringside) and £35 (Standard Seated), are available now on-line at www.tkoboxoffice.com or from the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym, Gillian House, Stephenson Street, Canning Town, London E16 4SA. For further information call 07960 850645

________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Walshe and Thomas to Team Up for Ireland!

(November 9th) David Walshe, founder of Ireland’s most popular boxing website www.irishboxers.ie,  is the latest to join the credible rooster that is the staff of the World Boxing Federation (WBF), with the goal of helping further develop the sport in the Republic of Ireland.

Walshe, from Portlaw in the south of the Irish Republic, is involved in boxing in his home country in a number of different areas for over 30 years. He still advises a number of professional fighters and matchmakes, which is part of what he calls “a combined service including the running and development of the website, dedicated to Irish boxers based worldwide”. Without exaggeration, this site is fast becoming a bible for Irish boxers all over the globe.

Walshe will work alongside Paul Thomas, the highly respected WBF Regional Representative for Great Britain and Ireland, who is also a member of the WBF Executive Committee. “Boxing is my life and I am always looking at ways to help and develop the sport,” Walshe said, “I can assure you that I will work in the World Boxing Federation’s best interest, treat boxers, officials and promoters with the utmost respect and do all in my power to bring the best possible results to the WBF.”

______________________________________________________________________________________

My Personal Memories of the Late Great Smokin’ Joe Frazier

By Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro
(November 8th) I was deeply saddened to hear that Joe Frazier passed away earlier today, like I’m sure most of the boxing world was. He was a living legend and right up to his passing was so dedicated to the sport that bought him fame and fortune.

Whilst most people will remember Joe for his trilogy of fights with Ali, I remember him with deep affection for a totally different reason... It was Joe and his son Marvis that first got me involved in boxing.

In late 2005, whilst I was recovering from a serious illness, I traveled to Philadelphia to spend some time with my fiancee Marianne Marston, who was there on an extended business trip.

The day I arrived in Philly Marianne was particularly buoyant, not because I had made the trip but because that afternoon she had accidentally met with Joe in a coffee shop opposite our hotel.

Marianne, who had recently started boxing training with Choleton Senior in London, was recounting the story to me of how they met, before saying that Joe had invited her to try out at his North Philadelphia gym.

The very next morning we grabbed a cab and made our way along Broad Street, we passed the famous Blue Horizon - which also sadly is no longer with us, well as a boxing venue anyway - and continued North to a rather run down part of Philly.

                                        

When we arrived at the gym we were greeted by Joe’s son Marvis, Marianne showed him the card Joe had given her and told him that Joe invited her to try out at the gym. Marvis welcomed us both with open arms and sent Marianne to get changed.

About half an hour later, whilst Marvis was taking Marianne on the pads, a dapper older gent arrived and stood by the side of the ring observing. At the time I was sitting on one of the sofas in the waiting area reading, for some reason I kept stopping and looking over at the new arrival, he was intently watching the session but never spoke a word.

When Marvis had finished the session the older guy called Marianne over, Marianne looked nervous as she spoke with him and it was then that it dawned on me that this was the legendary Smokin’ Joe himself.

                                        

Joe got Marianne to climb out of the ring and personally started working with her, adjusting her stance before getting her to work on the heavy bag, speed bag and uppercut bag. Marianne was clearly nervous, but Joe was a patient teacher and he gave her nearly two hours of his time, during which he actively demonstrated virtually everything.

After they had finished and Marianne had got changed Joe summoned us to his office, where he promptly told Marianne that she is very good, technically a bit rough but has a lot of potential and that he would like her to become part of Team Frazier.

A training schedule was set there and then for the six weeks Marianne would be in Philly this trip. For the rest of the stay we were at the gym at 9 am sharp, I would sit reading while Joe, or when he wasn’t there Val Colbert or Marvis, would work with Marianne.

After about a week or so Joe decided Marianne was ready to spar and called over a lad named Sean and told him to glove up. Marianne soon learned that sparring in Philadelphia is different to London, it’s not about learning it’s about surviving.

Throughout the session Joe barely spoke, the only time he did was to instruct Marianne when to let rip with a big left hook - something that confused me at first so I turned to Marvis and asked why Joe kept encouraging Marianne to throw her left hook, he simply told me to watch Joe’s face when she throws it, so I did and each time Joe’s face would light up.

It was then that I realised just how much Joe loves passing on his boxing skills and the thrill he gets when a student effectively uses a particular aspect he has taught. He was the king of the left hook so Marianne being a southpaw he’d put a lot of work into developing her left hook.

After the first six weeks training were over we flew back to London and tried to find a gym for Marianne to train at in London, it was a joke All Stars being the only one to even entertain any form of training, although they offered her Boxercise!!!!

Joe’s secretary Barbie kept in touch, by e.mail, with instructions from Joe on what training he wanted Marianne to do as well as checking that she was OK. After just three or four weeks Marianne was getting so frustrated that she decided we were to return to Philly for another month or so in order to train properly.

As before I would just sit and read while she trained, Joe and the rest of the team would chat with me occasionally but that was the total level of our contact for about six months or so during the back and forward traveling for Marianne’s training.

About a day or so into our September visit Marvis came over to speak with me and asked if I could help get some of the youngsters in the gym, as well as the gym itself, some media exposure as he and Joe was impressed with the levels Marianne received after I had put out a press release on her being trained by Joe.

Of course I did and the next thing I know I became the publicist for the gym and worked alongside Marvis and Barbie on raising the profile of the gym, in order to attract more fighters, as well as started approaching sponsors, as the gym building was in very poor condition and Marvis had a vision to develop it into the Joe Frazier Boxing Museum.

We were still only spending a month or so at a time in Philly, however this was set to change. When we returned in November Joe called Marianne in to the office to discuss her pro debuting the following spring. Joe then added that he wanted her to move to Philly for six months so he could fully prepare her for the proposed debut full time.

In January 2007 we made the move and now being fully a part of the team I started to spend more and more time with Joe, he’d often call me into his office to just chat. I found these times nothing short of awesome, I mean there I am sitting with one of the greatest boxers of all time

When Joe talked about his career it was with such enthusiasm and affection. It was also not unusual for Joe to reenact aspects of past fights. I’m not talking sitting there throwing punches I’m talking about full enactment, bear in mind how frail Joe was at this time yet there he was moving about like a man half his age and throwing punches from every conceivable angle, including his fearsome trademark left hooks.

Joe, Marvis and Barbie were wonderful to work with, their enthusiasm for the sport and the gym was utterly contagious, I would be at the gym from 9am through to the gym closing around 8pm, except when the gym closed early for us to go to a pro show at the Blue Horizon or as a team we went to support the gym’s amateurs at an event.

This was something else I found particularly wonderful about Joe, it didn’t matter if you were a novice amateur or a pro, he would support everyone in the gym. If a gym fighter had a fight he would move heaven and earth to be there to support them and actively encouraged everyone to do the same, which they did after all they were Team Frazier and proud of it.

Being full time at the gym I also started to discover other elements of this great man, even though he barely had two halfpennies to rub together, he was an extraordinarily generous man who would help anyone in need.

One example of Joe’s generosity and willingness to help anyone. A young lad was involved in the gang scene in LA and had been shot and seriously injured. A trainer friend of Joe’s called him to tell him about the youngster, saying that if he doesn’t get away from LA he’ll be dead within the year.

Joe didn’t hesitate and soon arranged for the lad to move to Philly and train at his gym. The youngster soon became one of the stars of the Frazier gym amateur squad. In return the lad repaid Joe’s faith in him by giving his time willingly and helping the younger lads at the gym prepare whenever he could, as did all the Frazier fighters, they knew that’s what Joe did with them.

In early February 2008 Joe asked me to arrange a fund raising event for one of his fighters, Faatimah Balmer, who had just made the regionals of the Golden Gloves. Joe said that he would attend and personally sign gloves etc. for those that attend.

Unfortunately on the night Joe was unable to attend, but supplied various pairs of signed gloves to auction on the night.

The following morning Joe being Joe, felt so bad that he hadn’t made it on the night, asked me to contact the bar, that had given over their premises for the fund raiser, to let them know that he would be coming there that evening to personally thank them.

That’s Joe for you here we are on the 15th February, just a few days before he goes into hospital for a major operation, and he felt it was the honourable thing to go and make a personal appearance. He didn’t just pop in either Joe, Marianne and myself were there for almost two hours, during which Joe spent almost every second talking with, as well as signing autographs for, everyone there that evening.

Even during his time in hospital Joe kept his finger on the pulse, metaphorically speaking, and would ring up to find out how the fighters were doing, as well as check everything was OK with myself. There’s us worrying about his health yet there’s him worrying about us!

Just over a month after Joe came out of hospital a decision was made by Joe and his personal manager to close the gym, due to the mezzanine that housed the changing rooms partially collapsing.

Despite the fact that Marvis managed the gym, Joe personally rang all the fighters and staff to inform them of the closure. I can’t speak for the others but when he rang me he was so apologetic, he was clearly choked up and thanked me for all I had done for him, the fighters and the gym.

We had kept in regular contact until Marianne and I returned to the UK in 2009, but since then we had only spoken occasionally.

These are just a few of the fondest of memories I have from the time I spent with Joe, Marvis and the rest of Team Frazier. Joe, and Marvis, inspired both Marianne and myself. But it was Joe’s belief in us, as well as his encouragement, that has seen us both pursuing Boxing based careers.
Finally I would like to say, my fond memories of Joe and the kindness and support he showed Marianne and myself will stay with me until the day I am also laid to rest.

God Bless and Rest In Peace Joe.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Mirror Man Faces British Champ Leon Williams
in Brut Man Up Challenge

(November 3rd) As John Shaw approached his destination, a proper old school Boxing Gym deep in the heart of East London, he must have thought the gods were trying to send him a warning, as before he even reached the door of the famous TRAD TKO Boxing Gym a crash of thunder erupted as lightning flashed across the increasingly darkening sky.

The intrepid reporter, along with film crew, had made the short trip from Wapping to Canning Town to undertake a training session alongside new British Cruiserweight Champion Leon ‘Solid’ Williams as part of the Daily Mirror featured ‘Brut Man Up Challenge’.

Starting out gently John joined Leon in a warm up session, before gloving up for four rounds on the heavy bags. The plan was then to undertake some pads work with one of the UK’s top coaches Johnny Eames, however Johnny had other ideas and with a grin on his face ordered the pair into the centre ring for four rounds of...sparring.

                                      

After the sparring John was given an even greater insight into a pro boxers routine as he and Leon were put through a fighters conditioning session and finally three rounds of skipping to warm down.

When the session was over John said, “Today I’ve been training with the champ, Leon Williams, Leon ‘Solid’ Williams as he likes to be known and he put me through his paces. He was going about two miles per hour and I was pushed to my limit.

I’ve got an insight to what it takes to be a boxer and what I found hardest was the sparring, even though he wasn’t actually hitting me, just pacing the ring.

Three minutes seems like an hour in the ring, it’s hard work.”

The Champ then added, “Yeah I got beaten up. He made it hard work and made my session even harder.

It’s good, it’s good seeing how he deals with what I have to deal with, even though it’s only one percent of what I normally have to do, but It was fun.”

To read John Shaw’s thoughts on the Brut Man Up Challenge, with British Cruiserweight Champion Leon ‘Solid’ Williams, buy a copy of the Daily Mirror this Saturday, November 5th, or visit www.mirror.co.uk to see video highlights.

Photo credit and contact: Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro, JustListen2This Publicity & Promotion, London, UK, Gzira, Malta & Philadelphia, USA, (UK) +44( 0)208 166 5694, (UK) +44 (0)7960 850645, (UK) +44 (0) 7557 641597, Skype: GianlucaDiCaro, rio@justlisten2this.com, www.justlisten2this.com

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Victorious Return for New British Champ Leon ‘Solid’ Williams

(October 26th) On Wednesday British Cruiserweight Champion Leon ‘Solid’ Williams returned to the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym, in Canning Town, for the first time since defeating long time Champ Rob Norton and winning the coveted Lonsdale Belt.

Williams - who made the early return to undertake an interview with Sky Sports’ Ed Robinson, which will be aired on the Sky Sports Ringside Show this evening at 6pm - bought the Championship belt with him to show to his gym mates.

Following the interview Williams spent about an hour chatting about the fight with gym mates and being photographed with everyone in the gym at the time.

Just before leaving to go back home for a well deserved break Williams took a few minutes to talk about the fight and his future plans, “Not best pleased with the overall performance, Rob Norton’s very awkward and cagey opponent. He’s very, very experienced.

But at the end of the day we got the win and that’s all that matters.

I’m not really fussed who I’m going to fight next, I’m British Champion and I’ll defend it to the best of my ability.

I’m not letting that belt go, it’s across my shoulder right now and it’s going to stay there, yeah it’s just gonna stay there.

There’s no one I’m scared of, or intimidated by in this weight category, domestically any way. No one is great they’re just normal and can be beaten, they can all be dominated by me.

I’d even fight Rob Norton again, yeah I’d take that. It wouldn’t be the prettiest fight again but the tactics would change I’d meet him early instead of later on and I don’t think he’d be able to withstand that.

Rob was a good Champion, awkward, cagey, done his thing right, but the better man won on the twenty first.

I want to dominate the Cruiserweight division domestically, look good for television and my supporters and make my name, then we’ll move on to conquer Europe. Yeah it’s onwards and upwards for Team Solid

I’d like to say a big thanks to Johnny Eames, Barry Smith, Rio (Gianluca Di Caro) and Jimmy Tibbs from my gym, the brilliant TRAD TKO, as well as Ken and Dougie from my sponsor BoxFit, Dave from my sponsor Ringside and my other sponsors Radio King and South West Cars, RIP Danny Easam and all my supporters.

If it wasn’t for my supporters I wouldn’t be here now. They’ve all supported me on the small hall shows and they’ve stuck by me even when my fights were getting canceled and they were losing money, but they’re still here, so a big thank you to all those guys and girls, loads of girls.”

Ed Robinson’s interview with Leon ‘Solid’ Williams will be aired on the Ringside Show on Sky Sports 1 at 6pm on Thursday 27th October and will be repeated at 00.30am, 4am on Sky Sports 1 and again at 10am on Sky Sports 2 on Friday 28th October.

Photo credit and contact: Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro, JustListen2This Publicity & Promotion, London, UK, Gzira, Malta & Philadelphia, USA, (UK) +44( 0)208 166 5694, (UK) +44 (0)7960 850645, (UK) +44 (0) 7557 641597, Skype: GianlucaDiCaro, rio@justlisten2this.com, www.justlisten2this.com