TKO Box Office Boxing News

KO Kid Lama Ready For Studzinski Test On June 1st.

TRAD TKO’s London based prospect Festim Lama gets his second pro outing, on Johnny Eames’ TKO Events promoted ‘Two Tribes’ show at York Hall in Bethnal Green, London this coming Saturday, the 1st June.

On his pro debut, back in February, Lama impressed the York Hall crowd with his no nonsense approach to the noble art. The 23 year old comfortably controlled Didier Blanch, from a centre ring position, before sensationally stopping the Newcastle man, with a vicious body shot, early in the third round.

Anyone that had followed Lama as an amateur wouldn’t have been surprised at the way he clinically disposed of Blanch, as it seems to be par of the course for the youngster.

As an amateur Lama only fought about 20 times, only losing once, the win ratio is first class but the statistic that is most impressive is that around fifteen of those wins was by way of stoppage.

Following a training session earlier today Lama took a little time to talk about his upcoming fight, against Robert Studzinski, as well as his previous win over Blanch.

“It’s going to be a strong fight and if he goes for a knockout I will fight him back to the death, you know, so we see how it goes.

My first fight, I knock him out in the third round with a body shot, stoppage, so I win that.

Training’s been going very well, have good trainer, Mo Hussein, I feel comfortable with him, I feel good working with him, I have been learning a lot from him.

Well, I’ve been sparring the Turkish lads, brothers Onder and Shiya Ozgul, and Erick Ochieng, he’s English Champion I think, I sparred him last week.

Tell my fans I am going to give them a good fight, so I hope they are going to come out a support me again.”

Festim Lama feature on the undercard of Colin Lynes versus Beka Sutidze, which headlines the Johnny Eames promoted ‘Two Tribes Go To War’ event at York Hall in Bethnal Green, London on Saturday 1st June 2013.

Tickets, priced £35 (Standard Seated) and £60 (Ringside) are available on line at www.tkoboxoffice.com or in person at the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym in Canning Town or from direct from Freddie or any of the fighters taking part.

www.tkoboxinggym.com

Boxers Unite For Troops In Aftermath Of Woolwich Tragedy

The horrendous attack against a serving soldier in Woolwich last week, which culminated the death of drummer Lee Rigby, shocked the nation to the core. The aftermath of this most senseless of killings has led to an outpouring of support for the brave souls, who in the line of duty put their life in danger to protect us and our country on a daily basis.

Whilst some of those less enlightened have focused on revenge, by mounting equally senseless attacks on Muslims and Muslim owned businesses, the majority of the nation have joined together to voice their support of our troops, with message of support on the social networks, leaving flowers and messages at the Royal Artillery barracks in Woolwich or by donating to the fantastic charity ‘Help For Heroes’.

Some, such as boxers Lewis Pettitt and Adam Dingsdale, felt compelled to show their support in a different way, in their case, by inviting Lee Rigby’s battalion compadres as guests to their upcoming fights on the Johnny Eames ‘Two Tribes’ event at York Hall in London this coming Saturday.

Lewis and Adam, who are coached by Al Smith at iGym, personally bought five tickets each and TCS Contracting in Dartford, the company Lewis works for, bought twenty more and donated them to the cause, with event promoters TRAD TKO Events donating a further ten.

With enough tickets in place, the next obstacle for Lewis and Adam to overcome was contacting the battalion commander, not an easy task due, as Lewis was to discover when he went to Woolwich barracks on Thursday.

Unfortunately due to the increased security Lewis was unable to contact the battalion commander, not to be deterred Lewis turned to social networking site Facebook to make contact with a serving soldier at the barracks, who in turn contacted the battalion commander on the boxers behalf.

TRAD TKO promoter Johnny Eames said of Lewis and Adam’s endeavor.

“Everyone at the gym is in shock at the senseless killing of Lee Rigsby, a few, especially those who live close to the barracks or had been serving soldiers have been discussing ways we can show long term support to our troops, then Al Smith called me to say that Lewis and Adam, as well as Lewis’ boss, wanted to buy some tickets to give to serving soldiers at Woolwich.

Straight away both Rio (Gianluca Di Caro) and myself instantly offered to donate some also, we felt it was the least we can do.

We are encouraging everyone at the gym to buy ‘Help for Heroes’ t-shirts and wear them on Saturday, to show their support of our troops, who we feel do a magnificent job.

It would be great if everyone coming on Saturday wears a ‘Help for Heroes’ t-shirt on Saturday, not just our fighters, to show their support for our troops.”

To buy a ‘Help for Heroes’ t-shirt or make a donation to this worthwhile cause please go to www.helpforheroes.org.uk

Lewis Pettitt and Adam Dingsdale feature on the undercard of Colin Lynes versus Beka Sutidze, which headlines the Johnny Eames promoted ‘Two Tribes Go To War’ event at York Hall in Bethnal Green, London on Saturday 1st June 2013.

Tickets, priced £35 (Standard Seated) and £60 (Ringside) are available on line at www.tkoboxoffice.com or in person at the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym in Canning Town or from direct from any of the fighters taking part.

www.tkoboxinggym.com

Amateur Heavyweight Star Kasiulevicius Pro Debut, York Hall 1st June.

Two time Lithuanian Amateur Heavyweight Champion Paulius Kasiulevicius is set to debut in the professional ranks, on the Johnny Eames TKO Events promoted ‘Two Tribes’ show, headlined by Colin Lynes versus Beka Sutidze at York Hall on Saturday 1st June 2013.

Kasiulevicius, who throughout his amateur career amassed numerous national and international accolades, is being hailed as a seriously exciting prospect, with World Championship potential by his manager and promoter, the aforementioned Mr. Johnny Eames.

Currently training both at the VK Gym in Bognor Regis, with John Murray, as well as the TRAD TKO gym in Canning Town, Kasiulevicius will be facing fellow debutant Adel Badawy on June 1st.

Following a full on sparring session with fellow TRAD TKO Heavyweight prospect Tom Little, Kasiulevicius spoke briefly on his amateur career and his impending debut.

“I started boxing when I was nine years old, my father put me in a boxing gym, so I’ve been training and boxing for fifteen years.

I had one hundred and eighty five amateur fights, won over a hundred and thirty fights. I won many titles in my career in juniors and seniors and was two time Lithuanian Champion.

I’ve been training with John Murray, at the VK Gym in Bognor Regis, and Johnny Eames at the TRAD TKO in London.You get best sparring here at the TRAD TKO.

I think the fans will like me, I’m exciting fighter and I will beat that guy, he’s not lucky.”

Paulius’ head coach at both the TRAD TKO and VK Gym’s John Murray then added.

“I’ve been training Paulius about three months down at the VK Gym in Bognor Regis, obviously I’ve been helping Johnny out also with Joel McIntyre and Andy Gattenby.

When I see Paulius up here the first time sparring I could see he needed some help with his fitness, so Johnny took me aside and asked me to work on that and his technique.

We’ve been working on his stamina and endurance as well as developing his power really.

Paulius has aspirations to be a World beater, but he’s still a baby as a Heavyweight at twenty four, so we need to be patient.

Saying that though we’re expecting an explosive debut on the 1st June.”

Paulius Kasiulevicius against Adel Badawy features on the undercard of Colin Lynes versus Beka Sutidze which headlines the Johnny Eames promoted ‘Two Tribes Go To War’ event at York Hall in Bethnal Green, London on Saturday 1st June 2013.

Tickets, priced £35 (Standard Seated) and £60 (Ringside) are available on line at www.tkoboxoffice.com or in person at the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym in Canning Town or from direct from Paulius or any of the fighters taking part.

www.tkoboxinggym.com

Tough Test For Freddie Turner, Faces Jay Morris At York Hall On June 1st

Canning Town’s Freddie Turner is set to make his second outing under the TRAD TKO banner on Saturday 1st June, when he takes on Jay ‘IOW Assassin’ Morris at York Hall in Bethnal Green, London, on Johnny Eames’ TKO Events promoted ‘Two Tribes’ event, headlined by TRAD TKO gym mate Colin Lynes versus Beka Sutidze.

Turner, who signed management papers with Johnny Eames back in January, was clearly overjoyed at the resurgence in his career, as the 24 year old said.

“This is a massive shock, two fights within a couple of months it’s an absolute shock, that’s a hundred percent improvement from before I was with Johnny (Eames), I mean I fought just once in a year.

Yet here am I in the same gym I train in, my manager’s here and he’s already telling me I’m fighting again after June 1st.

It’s been a blessing signing with Johnny, I’ve been waiting a long time for a breakthrough and it really looks like this is it.

I’m really ready for this, Jimmy and Mark (Tibbs) train me the same every time, we train hard and I mix it up with all the big names here, so I know I will be ready for Jay Morris on the 1st June.

We always work hard here at the TRAD TKO, never cut corners, so yeah we’ll be looking to put on a great display for the fans.

I boxed well last time out, I feel I boxed well in the first two rounds and feel I could have stopped him in the last two rounds, he was getting well marked up and I was catching him with some good shots.

Hopefully now I can let the boxing flow and the punches go.

I’m not looking past Jay, he’s a tough, experienced fighter, but I’m looking forward to the new season. Johnny says he has big plans for me, including lining me up for a title fight late on this year.

I’ve known Johnny since I was a kid, I trust him and he’s clearly looking for my best interests so I know he wouldn’t move into title contention if he didn’t believe I am ready for it.

I’m quite mature, even though I’m only twenty four, I’ve had a hundred plus amateur fights, yeah I know I’ve had a slow start in the pros but under Johnny’s guidance I’m moving on at pace now so feel comfortable to be put in.

I love the support I get from the fans, even though I hadn’t been in action as much as I and them would have liked previously, I know it’s difficult to get to all the shows but it’s great that they get out in force to support.

That’s what keeps us going, I mean I enjoy entertaining, that’s why I do it, so I’m really pleased with having such a good following, so I’m going to put on an entertaining display on June 1st to give my fans something to really enjoy.”

Freddie Turner against Jay ‘IOW Assassin’ Morris is the main support to headlining Colin Lynes versus Beka Sutidze at the Johnny Eames promoted ‘Two Tribes Go To War’ event at York Hall in Bethnal Green, London on Saturday 1st June 2013.

Tickets, priced £35 (Standard Seated) and £60 (Ringside) are available on line at www.tkoboxoffice.com or in person at the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym in Canning Town or from direct from Freddie or any of the fighters taking part.

www.tkoboxinggym.com

Lynes Wants Another Title Shot, But First Faces Sutidze At York Hall On 1st June

Back in May 2012 Colin Lynes lost his British Welterweight crown to Junior Witter, in an extremely close fought battle at the Hillsborough Leisure Centre in Sheffield. At the time many expected Colin to call time on his illustrious career, that see him win many accolades, including both the IBO Intercontinental and World Light Welterweight titles as well as both the British and European Light Welter crowns and more recently the British Welterweight title.

Not so, Lynes clearly has no intention of hanging up his gloves, not for now anyway, as just over a year after losing the coveted Lonsdale belt Lynes returns to York Hall, where he faces Georgia’s Beka Sutidze in an international non-championship battle that headlines Johnny Eames’ TKO Events promoted ‘Two Tribes Go To War’ event on Saturday 1st June.

What’s more the forty six fight veteran firmly has his eyes set on returning to championship action as soon as possible, which he made clear when he spoke earlier.

“I’m really excited about being on this TKO Events show on the 1st June.

It’ll be my first fight with them as well as the first show for Johnny (Eames) and the TRAD TKO Gym so I’m really looking forward to it and I can see us all going big places from here.

I’m looking to get back into title action again and carry on with my career. I’m in the shape of my life, I live well so there’s no reason I haven’t got another three or four years left.

He’s young and obviously a dangerous opponent, but having had 46 fights myself I can’t be choosy and to be honest I wouldn’t want to be choosy. My job is to get in there and do the business and it’s down to the trainers to make sure that whoever the matchmakers bring that I’m ready for them.

The TRAD TKO is my home now, I’ve been here for the last two years and am now really looking forward to going places under the gym’s banner.

I’m here with Jimmy and Mark Tibbs, who both coach me, as well as a lot of good young fighters on the show that train with us, we’re fighting just round the corner at York Hall and it just doesn’t get better than that.”

Colin Lynes versus Beka Sutidze headlines a stellar card, crammed full of local young stars, at the Johnny Eames promoted ‘Two Tribes Go To War’ event at York Hall in Bethnal Green, London on Saturday 1st June 2013.

Tickets, priced £35 (Standard Seated) and £60 (Ringside) are available on line at www.tkoboxoffice.com or in person at the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym in Canning Town or from direct from Colin or any of the fighters taking part.

www.tkoboxinggym.com

Tom Little Interview – Discusses Tom Dallas, Luke Martin, Graham Earl and more.

Interview and photos by Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro

I’m sure that anyone that watched Prizefighter – International Heavyweights – back in June 2012, will remember 25 year old Tom Little from Hatfield, Hertfordshire, not because he won or anything like that, but for the surprising way he exited the competition in the quarter-final against Tom Dallas.

I say surprising as Tom seemed to be cruising to victory, but after two sensation rounds dominated by the Hatfield man he ran out of steam mid-third round.

Doghouse Boxing’s Iain Dolan, who was ringside on the night, wrote in his report:

“Fight of the night was the 4th quarter final between Hatfield’s Tom Little (18st 3lbs) and Tom Dallas. The flabby Little, in only his 4th paid bout showed surprising hand speed and a big heart as he threw the kitchen sink at Dallas from the off.

Finding success with jabs and hooks both upstairs and down, Little looked to be on course for an unlikely victory as Dallas neglected defense in order to meet fire with fire.

Little started the 2nd round with similar ambition but, from quite early on, was looking up at the big screen to see how long was left in the round. Little continued to throw leather and give Dallas problems although he was clearly gassed by the end of the round.

In the 3rd it all fell apart for Little as he had just completely run out of steam. Dallas landed some good shots but it was 90% exhaustion that caused Little to crash to the canvas.

He managed to get to his feet but could barely stand so the fight was waved off.

If Little can find the discipline to spend more time in the gym and less time in KFC, he has plenty offer on the domestic heavyweight scene.”

That final comment may just have been the catalyst for the ‘rebuilding’ of Tom Little that has been taking place at the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym in Canning Town over the past couple of months.

That may sound a little dramatic, but believe me I have seen the transformation, both physical and mental, that has taken place.

I first met Tom when he was preparing for his pro debut, against Rolandas Cesna in July 2011. I was invited by Graham Earl to come to Luton to interview his fighters that were to take part in an event promoted by him at the Liquid Night Club in Luton.

To describe the difference between the Tom I met then and the one I spoke with earlier today is unreal. Back then Tom was yet another flabby heavyweight.

He’s biggest selling point was his hand speed, ridiculously fast for a Light Heavy, let alone a Heavyweight, but his stamina was very, very poor, he was running out of steam after just a couple of rounds on the heavy bag.

Today Tom is almost a lean, mean fighting machine. Whilst yes he is still carrying a bit of excess weight, he really is beginning to look much more ‘fighty’

I watched as Barry Smith put him through the paces, six rounds on the heavy bag, followed by another six on the pads – oh and I don’t mean pitter-pattering I mean full on ‘fight level’ stuff.

The change is so extreme that I for one am looking forward to watching him in action, at Johnny Eames’ TKO Events promoted ‘Two Tribes’ event at York Hall in London on Saturday June 1st.

If he performs at the level he did in the training sessions Tom Little may just be the breath of fresh air the Heavyweight division needs to ignite the fans interest once more.

As I said before I was amazed at his extraordinary hand speed, as well as the ease he is able to open up his opposition with both hands, so am sure he will become a serious crowd pleaser.

OK, enough of my praising the youngster, let’s get down to the nitty gritty. Following the grueling regime Barry Smith, young Tom took some time out to talk about his career to date, his disappointing loss to Tom Dallas and of course the transformation since his move to the TRAD TKO.

Rio: So you’re fighting Luke Martin at York Hall on the 1st June, what do you know about Luke and how do you see the fight going?

Tom: Luke Martin, well I don’t know a thing about him, don’t care all I know is I’m going to flatten him.

Training’s been really good, the sharpness is there and everything is coming together just right.

I’ve got a week of sparring to go, I’m really looking forward to that, then I’m ready to go, so Luke Martin watch out.

Rio: This will be your fifth professional outing, how has your pro career been to date?

Tom: I’ve had four fights, this will be my fifth, won three of them and my only loss was against Tom Dallas in Prizefighter.

I’m not going to make excuses, anyone that see it see that knows I didn’t get beat by the better man.

I was in a very bad place in my life at that time, I shouldn’t have been in a boxing ring, to be quite honest with you I shouldn’t have been around people full stop, I should have been locked away, because of the things going on in my head at the time.

That’s all behind me now though, I’m moving forward and I’ve got a good team behind me at last, in manager Johnny Eames and trainer Barry Smith as well as having a great camp at the TRAD TKO gym in Canning Town.

Rio: So you were lucky to get the three wins you have then?

I’ve been lucky, I fought the very capable Hastings Rasani in my second fight, funnily enough I was up here two days before my fight, Graham got Barry to give me some pads and he blew me out in two rounds, so you can tell what sort of fitness I was at.

It’s all changed now though, I’ve been at the TRAD TKO about fifteen weeks now, come down from about twenty stone and now weigh seventeen stone five. I’ve never boxed below eighteen stone before, ever.

For Prizefighter I only ever done roadwork and bag work and no other training for two weeks, so I’m confident now that I’m getting into good condition.

Rio: So you’re now in a ‘Good Place’ mentally and physically, so what can the fans expect to see of Tom Little in the future.

Tom: I know that people spout their mouth and say whatever, but I know there’s not a heavyweight in Britain that I can’t beat when I’m fit and believe me I am going to be in the condition of my life thanks to Barry.

This is literally a new start for me and I’m real pleased that Johnny and Barry have given me the opportunity to have this new start.

That loss to Dallas, a lot of people wouldn’t have given me a second chance, thankfully Johnny see something he liked and was happy to work with me.

Barry’s always liked the way that fight and he’d seen the things that needed changing. Everyone’s been working together and I’m confident that we really are going to shock everyone when they see me in action on June 1st.

Rio: Changing tack slightly, could you tell the readers a little about your early amateur career please?

Tom: I was amateur from the age of twelve, up to seventeen. I had twenty two fights won eighteen of them, done real well as an amateur.

The last time I boxed as an amateur was as a Middleweight, then I went away and done my own thing.

Rio: So you walked away from boxing whilst an amateur, what changed for you to come back straight in and campaign in the pro ranks?

Tom: Funnily enough I went back into the gym to help me give up smoking and met Graham Earl.

Graham then offered me the chance to turnover, it all happened really fast, I got my head down, had three fights, which I won, under Graham Earl whilst I was training out of Luton.

Never did feel myself that I was fit, always felt there was something missing, someone was missing something out of the camp.

It really did open my eyes up when I went in Prizefighter under short notice and was literally left to train myself.

My current trainer Barry was there on the night, he noticed but obviously couldn’t say anything because I wasn’t his fighter at the time.

It really showed, I went in against someone I wasn’t expected to get anywhere with and gave him the hiding of his life for two rounds, but in doing this literally collapsed with exhaustion.

This really opened my eyes, so I went away to think things over. I then left my manager, left everything and come up to the TRAD TKO, where I was welcomed with open arms.

Rio: Has this change of management and coaching made that much of a difference then?

Tom: Barry Smith has really turned things around for me, before I couldn’t do two rounds in sparring for any of my other fights because I just didn’t have it in the tank, now I can spar up to ten rounds.

It makes so much difference being here, I’ve always got a coach, everyone puts in the best work to help, but the biggest thing is there is always sparring here, not just sparring but quality sparring against great opposition.

There’s a couple of good heavyweights up here, plus fighter friends of the gym. I had some sparring with Dereck Chisora and that, so the TRAD TKO has done a lot for me, in the short time since I’ve been up here, I’m very grateful to them.

Rio: I know you are focused on the fight with Luke Martin right now, but after that is there any fight you really want Johnny to make happen for you?

Tom: I’m really eager to get the rematch against Tom Dallas, I want to prove to everyone that the better man didn’t win on the night.

If he wants to hide behind his manager so be it, they say he doesn’t want it yet, but he can’t hide for ever and I’ll be there in his way wherever he wants to get to.

This will be my first fight under the TRAD TKO banner and I know that it’s the start of bigger things for me, including hopefully the rematch with Tom Dallas, I’ll go to Kent and drag him out if I have to.

Rio: Thank you so much for taking the time to talk with me today, finally is there anything you would like to say to the fans out there?

Tom: To all the fans out there, come to York Hall on the 1st June and see the real me, see what they were missing out on before because I didn’t have proper training before, they’ll see what I can do now that I have a serious people behind me and I’m in a good place.

Tom Little, against Luke Martin, is a supporting bout on the Colin Lynes versus Beka Sutidze headlines the BBBofC sanctioned Johnny Eames promoted ‘Two Tribes Go To War’ event at York Hall in Bethnal Green, London on Saturday 1st June 2013.

Tickets, priced £35 (Standard Seated) and £60 (Ringside) are available on line at www.tkoboxoffice.com or in person at the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym in Canning Town or direct from Tom Little or any of the fighters taking part.

Johnny Eames Announces Line-up For 1st June Event At York Hall

Earlier this year TRAD TKO Boxing Gym head honcho Johnny Eames announced that he will be promoting events in 2013, keeping to his word Johnny last night announced that his first UK event, tagged ‘Two Tribes Go To War’, will take place at York Hall, in Bethnal Green, London on Saturday 1st June 2013.

Headlining Johnny’s first show is former IBO Light Welterweight World and British Welterweight Champion Colin Lynes in an International contest against Georgia’s Beka Sutidze.

Supporting Lynes-Beka Johnny has put together a solid card featuring many of the rising stars from his TRAD TKO stable, as well as a couple from Alan Smith’s squad.

On making the announcement a clearly pleased Johnny said.

“June the 1st sees the launch of TKO Events, something that should have been launched in April and then May but eventually ended up being in June.

As it’s our first show we’re really excited here at the gym, it was supposed to be a co-promotion with Spencer Fearon but Spencer has other commitments and he can’t do it, so no hard feelings there but I promised the boys fights so obviously we’ve had to go ahead with it.

I’m really looking forward to it, although I have promoted events with other promoters this will be the first time I’m promoting my own show.

It’s been a challenge, but with the help of Rio (Gianluca Di Caro), Dave Murphy and Tony Vincent we’ve slowly got it together.

We’ve had promises of sponsors, but they didn’t materialize for whatever reason but now we’ve got another sponsor in place, who put his money where his mouth is and come up with the money straight away, which has helped make the show possible.

We’ve got five or six of our own fighters on the show, plus a couple from Alan Smith in Adam Dingsdale and Lewis Pettitt.

I’m looking forward to working with Alan again, it’s been a long time since we’ve worked together.

Headlining our first show is Colin Lynes, I’ve know Colin since he was a kid so it’s a real pleasure to be promoting him.

I believe Colin’s still got a couple of titles left in him and if we get the opportunity we will progress him onto the title trail once again.

On the 1st June we have Colin fighting Beka Sutidze in a non-championship International bout.

This should be a really great fight, both boys like to go to war, so it is an appropriate headline fight for our first show, which we named ‘Two Tribes Go To War”.

Our Freddie Turner gets his second outing since signing with us in March, he’s another one we want to move onto the title trail as soon as possible.

I don’t need to say too much about Freddie as I have said it all before, Freddie is one of the most exciting young prospects around and it’s an honour to have him on board.

On the 1st June Freddie will have his work cut out, as he’s facing Jay Morris, who as I’m sure you know is as tough as old boots.

Another of the TRAD TKO boys on the show is Festim Lama, with Festim it’s a matter of what you see is what you get. He’s a tough kid, who comes to fight. He’s very, very entertaining and will be a crowd pleaser I’m sure.

Also on the show I’ve got the debut of my big heavyweight Paulius Kasiulevicius from Lithuania. Paulius is only twenty three years of age but has had plenty of amateur experience.

He’s been training with John Murray down at our sister gym, The VK Gym in Bognor, so I know he’s going to be in excellent condition for the fight.

Another new signing I have on the show is Tom Little. Tom’s improved so much under the guidance of our Barry Smith, not only in ability wise but also fitness.

In Tom’s previous five fights he’s never been totally fit, but now he’s certainly never been fitter and he’s never had as much sparring as he has had since joining us at the TRAD TKO.

It’s great to have two young heavyweight involved on our first show.

From Spencer’s camp we have Kreshnik Qato, who again I’m sure I don’t need to say too much about. Everyone knows what a warrior Nik is, he’s record says it all.

Finally we have a late addition, Eddie (Ediz) Hussein, so late we don’t even have him on the poster. I’m really pleased to have Eddie on the show, he’s another one that you know will always put on a fantastic performance.

So as you can see our first event may have been a little late coming but it’s here now and it’s going to be a great show.”

Colin Lynes versus Beka Sutidze headlines the Johnny Eames promoter ‘Two Tribes Go To War’ event at York Hall in Bethnal Green, London on Saturday 1st June 2013.

Tickets, priced £35 (Standard Seated) and £60 (Ringside) are available on line at www.tkoboxoffice.com or in person at the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym in Canning Town or from any of the fighters named.

www.tkoboxinggym.com

Freddie Turner Repays New Management With Stunning Win

Just over a month ago unbeaten Welterweight prospect Freddie Turner was wondering when, and even if, he would get to fight again, having had just the single outing in 2012 and it seemed there were absolutely zero fights on the horizon.

However things soon changed for the 24 year old from Canning Town, following a call from his coach, Mark Tibbs, suggesting he has a word with TRAD TKO’s Johnny Eames next time he’s in the gym.

Sure enough Freddie did and within the hour signed management papers with the esteemed Mr. Eames, after former manager Dean Powell agreed to release him early from his contract.

The same day Johnny asked Freddie if he wanted a fight in February, which of course he did.

On Sunday afternoon, at York Hall in Bethnal Green, Freddie had his maiden outing under Johnny’s watchful eyes, against Rainham’s Costas Osben, and repaid Johnny in the best possible way, with a sensational performance on way to securing his seventh win.

Earlier today Freddie took a little time out to talk about the turnaround of fortunes this change of management had made.

“I’m really excited to get my career going again, I’m really happy that Johnny has a plan and the whole team has a plan and we’ve got a future in the game.

I had just the one fight last year, nothing to do with myself, I’m always in the gym and ready, I’m always training and I’m fit, but I just got left out really.

My old manager, Dean Powell, I know he’s a busy guy and has a lot of fighters but I didn’t get looked after or get the opportunities I deserved, it’s not that I’m not a prospect or a good fighter.

I think I am one of the best prospects in the UK, I’ve got great potential and talent so hopefully we’ll see it come through now.

Within hours of agreeing terms with Johnny and the team, they got me a fight, gave me a date.

The next week they offered me another fight, then one in April and then I hear rumours that there are other dates already being lined up. This is amazing, It’s unknown to me in the game, considering what I have had before.

Johnny said I’ll have a minimum of four in the UK and there may be a few abroad, anything else they do for me will be a bonus, that’s already four hundred percent on what I did last year, so it’s amazing.

I’m mature now, the people I spar and the quality I spar I’m an eight round fighter, I know what I’m doing now, this first fight was about getting the wheels turning again, but I’m nearly at Championship level, it wont be long before I’m there, I feel I’ve got the tools, the ambition and the art to make it and do something.

If some kind of opportunity comes I’ll jump at it, I’m always fit and I’ve got a good engine anyway, I can do four without training, I’ve got a great engine so a twelve rounder with a little work and I’ll be there.

Training wise I’m still with Jimmy and Mark Tibbs, who are here at the TRAD TKO anyway, it’s a lot better now because everything’s under one roof, you’ve not got to go anywhere else, management team, promotion team and trainers is all there and it’s dealt with right away.

The training’s going really well, enjoying it. Jimmy’s doing really well with Billy Joe (Saunders), he’s flying through there. Mark’s got a load of young prospects coming through too.

It’s a great team, we’ll do well and the future is bright, very bright.”

www.tkoboxinggym.com

Kugan Cassius iFilm post fight interview of Freddie Turner – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dat3ixijMgM&feature=youtube_gdata

Fight Report: Selby And O’Meara Retain Titles, Saunders and Turner Impress In Style.

Photos and Report by Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro

Frank Warren knows a thing or two about putting on a top class fight night and boy has he put some great shows on over the years. Usually his real all action extravaganzas are reserved for the bigger venues around the country, places like the O2, Excel, M.E.N., Echo Arena etc. however last night the King of British Boxing pulled out all the stops for a small hall show at the York Hall in Bethnal Green.

Heading up the classy lineup was Lee Selby’s first defense of the British and Commonwealth Featherweight straps he won back in September, with a fantastic eight round stoppage of Liverpool’s Stephen Smith.

Right from the off Selby went on the offensive, effectively using his jab to keep the super tough, and former holder of both titles, Simpson at bay. Each time the Scot made any move forward the Champ just stood his ground before throwing out a series of stiff jabs to push him back. Nice nonstop action opening round that was easy to score in Selby’s favour.

Second round was even livelier, Simpson just kept going forward, but as before Selby just resorted to his jab for the early part to thwart every move Simpson made. Frustration was already starting to settle in and by the end of the second minute Simpson started to throw some wild shots, problem was he left himself open to be picked off by some nice double handed counters. Another excellent round for the Champion.

More of the same in the third, Simpson’s shots were getting even wilder and again were leaving him open for Selby to counter, which he did with more force than in the earlier rounds.

Simpson’s trainer, Billy Nelson, obviously gave him a good talking to between the rounds as he came out and took the fight to Selby in a much more controlled fashion, so much so that he was actually getting some good success, landing some big shots. Selby responded in similar fashion and this lead to some great exchanges. Much closer round, but I still felt it was Selby’s round – just.

It was more of the same in the fifth, but as before it was Selby that seemed to be getting the better of each exchange. The round was a real firecracker that had the fans on the feet from almost the opening bell right through to the second minute mark, when Selby let rip with a peach of a left hook to the body that sent the Scottish challenger to his knees.

Simpson made it to his feet to take the count, but referee Marcus McDonnell could see that he was in no fit state to continue and waved the fight off on the 2 minute 2 second mark.

In doing so handed Simpson his first stoppage loss in his illustrious career. Selby, now with five stoppages in six outings, proved without doubt he’s the best domestic Featherweight and ready for a shot at the European crown.

As with virtually every Frank Warren Promotions show supporting the main event is another title fight of similar stature, last night’s was no exception. West Drayton’s Steve O’Meara stepped in to defend the Southern Area Light Middleweight belt he won back in September, with a sensational first round knockout of then champion Ryan Toms.

O’Meara’s opponent, Thamesmead’s super slick ‘Sugar’ Nathan Weise, bought to the table a 7-1-2 record that included a recent draw over previous champ Toms.

No surprise that the Mark Tibbs trained Weise went straight on the attack forcing O’Meara onto the back foot. O’Meara remained calm as he looked for an opening, he didn’t have to wait too long though, as around the fifty second mark Weise stepped in to let off yet another jab O’Meara released a wickedly fast left jab-right hook combination that sent Weise crashing to the deck in an instance.

A hush fell across York Hall as referee Ken Curtis instantly waved the fight off and the ringside doctor and paramedics rushed in to assist the prone Weise. It was a good few minutes before Weise was raised to a stool – the crowd responded with a standing ovation – but it was clear that Weise still wasn’t one hundred percent, the paramedics kept administering oxygen for a few more minutes before leading him from the ring to the waiting ambulance.

It has to be one of the worse knockouts I have seen in a long, long time but I can assure everyone that Nathan is one hundred percent OK, he turned up at the TRAD TKO Gym, to let his manager Johnny Eames, myself and all the fighters here know that he is OK literally as I was writing this report.

One of Frank Warren Promotions brightest stars, former Olympian and Nathan Weise’s gym mate Billy Joe Saunders, was drafted in at the last minute to face Belfast’s Tommy Tolan following Gym mate Ediz Hussein’s fight being called off, due to his coming down with the flu.

Slick southpaw Saunders went straight on the offensive and landed a massive left that shook Tolan to the core. In an instant Saunders stepped up the attack and literally chased Tolan from one corner to the next and beyond before landing another powerful left. Tolan legs had gone but he managed to stay on his feet, but referee Jeff Hinds had seen enough and just as Saunders was about to let rip with another shot stepped in and stopped the fight on the one minute and seven second mark.

Unbeaten in twelve, with five stoppages out of his last six outings and the Southern Area title already firmly in his grip, it’s clear that Saunders is ready to step up for a shot at either Nick Blackwell (English title) or Martin Murray (British title) for their crowns in the New Year, either of which would be a mouthwatering prospect.

Prior to Saunders-Tolan see unbeaten Welterweight George Michael Carman in action against the ubiquitous ‘Rockin’ Robin Deakin.

Now I hate writing negatives on any fighter, I know how much hard work precedes a fight and it takes serious guts to step into the ring, but having seen Carman in action twice now, the first when he managed to receive a highly dubious ‘draw’ result against Tom Bowen at Wembley in November – back then I, and it seems most of those present, felt Carman lost every single round by a country mile – I really can’t see why he is being so protected.

I mean Deakin is a Super Featherweight, Lightweight at best, with a negative 1-41 record, yet Carman couldn’t even handle him – in my between round notes I said that I wasn’t sure if this was boxing or handbags at fifty paces and that it is hard to think that there is only one journeyman in the ring, sorry but yes it was that bad.

The first three rounds were scrappy to put it mildly, with Deakin keeping the Slough man on the back foot for most of the time. It was only in the fourth that Carman actually started to get the better of the much lighter Deakin.

I have to admit that when he did get ‘fighty’ he was quite slick, but in all honesty it was still totally ineffective work. Deakin was deducted a point in the final round, not sure what for as I didn’t see any wrong doing from where I was. Anyway that aside at the end of the fourth referee Jeff Hinds scorecard read 40-35 in favour of Carman.

Canning Town’s Freddie Turner must have been a little surprised that it was the original opponent Kevin McCauley, and not stated replacement Michael Frontin, that he faced on the night. No matter either way to the Jimmy and Mark Tibbs trained fighter, he was just happy to get a decent opponent for him to showcase his sublime talents.

Round one was a bit of a cagey affair, as both fighters took their time to suss the others tactics. Whilst neither were in the zone yet Turner worked the hardest and landed the most meaningful shots to take the round in my book.

The second however was a much livelier affair, Turner was on the offensive in the early part and landed a couple of big scoring shots. As the round progressed McCauley started to push forward and managed to back Turner onto the ropes before letting rip with double handed flurries. Turner, taking a leaf from fellow TRAD TKO gym mate Kevin Mitchell’s book, just dipped and swayed to avoid every single shot. Another easy round to call, it was Turner’s all the way.

More of the same in the third, including Turner, back to the ropes, luring McCauley in and after a little dipping and swaying effectively countering with stiff jabs and big lefts. The lack of effect really started to get to McCauley, who started to resort to some dirty tactics, including late on in the round backing Turner up before blatantly head butting, which opened up a nasty gash over Turner’s right eye.

Needless to say this fired Turner up when he came out in the fourth, the Canning Town youngster went hard on the offensive, in response McCauley decided to stand and trade – which suited Turner fine, but not Jimmy and Mark Tibbs, who could be heard shouting at their charge to keep calm and just box McCauley.

With four rounds firmly in Turner’s favour McCauley decided he needed to step things up and started targeting the cut, albeit to no avail as Turner’s defensive skills are second to none. McCauley frustrations were clear for all to see as he started throwing wild shots in the hope that something will actually land. Turner responded with some cracking counters that clearly were hurting McCauley, both physically and mentally.

McCauley comes out hard and fast for the final round and tries to plain bully Turner, big mistake as this just allowed Turner to showcase his excellent ringcraft to even more effect as he see his way to a shutout 60-54 points victory.

Turner-McCauley was a seriously cracking fight, as was the fight that preceded it – when Cranham’s Lee Markham took on fellow Essex boy Danny Brown.

The first round was a close fought affair, with both determined to win the battle of the Essex boys, however Markham’s was just a little more effective and took the round in my book.

Markham stepped it up more in the second and landed a wicked shot to the body that caused Brown to take one knee. Brown made the count and continued, however deciding not to take too many chances overly protected his body which allowed Markham to land some big shots to the head.

Still protecting the body Brown came out on the offensive in the third and took the fight to Markham. For three minutes the pair exchanged punches in equal measure. However, as Brown was still wary of being on the receiving end of another big left to the body kept leaving his head unprotected, which made easy pickings for the Cranham boy big right hand.

More of the same in the fourth and final round, both letting rip with big shots as they again went to war for the full three minutes, much to the crowd’s delight. At the end of four excellent rounds no one was surprised that referee Ken Curtis scored the bout 39-36 in favour of Markham.

The opening bout of the night was an all action cracker too, between nineteen year old Alfie Smith and Jason Nesbitt.

Smith showed his intentions right from the start, attacking the body of Nesbitt with big left and right hands. The highly experienced Nesbitt tried to cover up to negate the onslaughts, which only encourage the teenager to play upstairs before returning to the body in style.

More of the same tactics, in the second, from Smith which was really beginning to take a toll on Nesbitt, who was huffing and puffing before the midway point. I had a good long hard look at Nesbitt between rounds and he really looked down hearted and honestly didn’t expect him to stay the course, but I was wrong.

For the final couple of rounds Smith continued his all out assault on Nesbitt’s body. The Brummy battler tried his hardest to take a part of the fight but each time he did the Rottweiler like Smith let rip with big left and rights to push him back. I would think Nesbitt was very happy to hear the final bell, although not as happy as young Smith who has the second win under his belt, and by a tidy shutout 40-36 points margin.

I have to say that as the final major fight show of the year Frank Warren did us all proud, it was a great show which had it all, drama, excitement and three stoppage victories. I know that after such I for one can head into the Christmas break happy in the knowledge that my appetite for boxing is well and truly sated and will see me through to the first big show of the New Year, Leon ‘Solid’ Williams’ first defense of his British Cruiserweight title at York Hall on Friday 13th January.

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

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.

Tickets, priced £60 (Ringside) and £40 (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