TKO Box Office Boxing News

Fight Report: York Hall, London, April 27th: Weaver, Marston And Poetsh Impress In Style.

Report by Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro – Photos by Mike King

 

Chris Goodwin versus Oisin Fagan, for the vacant World Boxing Federation Inter-Continental Lightweight title, was due to headline the Dave Murphy promoted ‘Thunder and Lightning’ event, that took place at the famous York Hall, in Bethnal Green, London, on Saturday night.

However, following Goodwin failing to make the championship weight of Friday, as well as an agreed catch weight on Saturday, the organisers were forced to cancel the Championship bout.

With Goodwin versus Fagan fight off, the headline status moved instead to the eagerly awaited professional debut of European Silver and Commonwealth Boxing Championships Gold medalist Iain Weaver, against Poland’s Damian Lawniczak.

Weaver entered the arena with the largest entourage I have ever seen take part in a ring walk at York Hall, amongst the twenty strong team were Southern Area Champion Bradley Skeete as well as many of Weaver’s gym mates from Al Smith’s iGym.

Right from the opening bell Weaver determinedly stamped his authority on the fight, landing some superb sharp jabs and crisp lefts. Weaver’s amateur pedigree shined through, his movement and ring craft was nothing short of poetry in motion.

You couldn’t help but feel for Lawniczak, who responded whenever the opportunity arose – which wasn’t as often as I’m sure he would have liked. Each time the young Pole had any success, Weaver would respond in kind with double handed flurries, forcing Lawniczak to go back on the defensive.

Round two see Weaver step up the pressure, unloading a multitude of shots, to both body and head, from every conceivable angle possible. His seriously quick hands were virtually a blur as he unloaded a barrage of double handed shots.

About midway through the round, weaving changed tactics and started throwing hard right hand jabs, often followed with sharp left hooks to the body.

More of the same followed in the third, although the savvy Lawniczak used holding tactics a little more, to keep the barrage of shots reigning down on him to a minimum.

In the final stanza Weaver played to the crowd, keeping his distance to prevent the Pole from holding before stepping in and picking his shots and weaving to prevent any return shots from landing.

To describe Weaver’s performance as excellent is one of the understatements of the year, it was an awesome display from the Dorset youngster, as such it came as no surprise to anyone, when world class referee Micky Vann’s scorecard was read out, it showed a shutout 40-36 points win for young Weaver.

Main support see another professional debut, this time it was Marianne ‘Golden Girl’ Marston, the protégé of legendary Heavyweight Champion of the World Smokin’ Joe Frazier.

Marston, who faced a late change of opponent in Hungarian Gabriella Roman, who stepped in after Aleksandra Jasjukevica pulled out just a few days previously, was intent on enjoying every single second of her well overdue professional debut.

On entering the arena Marston played to a legion of chanting fans, many wearing identical red BoxFit t-shirts to her own, each emblazoned with the legend ‘Team Golden Girl’ as well as sponsors TRAD TKO Boxing Gym, BoxFit, Optimax and Winkball, and more significantly a dedication to the memory of her legendary mentor Smokin’ Joe Frazier, before standing and shadow boxing to her ring walk track ‘Move’ by Thousand Foot Crutch.

About a minute into the track Marston slowly began her ring walk, bumping gloves with the many admirers that lined the route.

Soaking up every moment of the occasion Marston finally entered the ring and once again acknowledged the highly vocal and appreciative crowd until the final chord of the emotive ring walk track.

Once referee Ken Curtis had completed his pre fight rule talk it was time for action.

Marston lithely prowled her way across the ring to meet her opponent head on with a massive right hand jab, closely followed with a big left, Roman was clearly stunned by the massive early assault, but still managed to cover up just as a second double handed barrage was thrown, closely followed up with a big left to the head sending the Hungarian girl to the canvas.

Roman recovered sufficiently to box defensively against the ever forward moving Marston, however after about twenty seconds or so Marston corralled the Hungarian in her own corner, with nowhere to go Roman covered up in preparation for yet another double handed assault.

As the seemingly never ending barrage rained down Roman succumbed to the inevitable and went down for a second time.

With barely enough time to catch her breath Roman once again was forced to cover up, as Marston continued to throw massive double handed barrages.

The onslaught proved too much for Roman, who had let her hands drop enough for Marston to land a big right to the head, followed by an equally vicious left to send her reeling against the corner post.

Marston could smell blood and pounced in for the kill, first landing a massive overhand right closely followed by another wicked left hook, which shook Roman to the core.

Then, on the one minute forty seven second mark, just as Marston was about to throw yet another big left to the head of the clearly disoriented Hungarian, referee Ken Curtis jumped in to save the now virtually defenseless Roman from further punishment.

As soon as she realized it was over and she had won, an ecstatic Marston turned towards the legion of fans to her left and made an emotional statement, dedicating her victory to the memory of her mentor Smokin’ Joe Frazier.

Prior to the mid-event break Ideh Ockuko faced Brendan Bean.

The first round started quite edgily, as both men played a waiting game, but soon livened up about midway through, first to go on full attack was Ockuko who first backed Bean up before letting rip with a solid right.

Bean stepped up to the plate and went toe to toe with Ockuko for the final quarter of the round.

Second round started as the first ended with both men in centre ring with big exchanges, Ockuko decided to mix things up a bit, slipping in a series of big shots to the body followed by a wickedly quick sharp uppercut, which if it had landed would surely have knocked Bean out cold.

Throughout the round both men fought their hearts out, but it was Ockuko who was landing the better shots.

Round three was more of the same, again Ockuko landed the best shots throughout, including a sweet left uppercut.

Both men slowed the pace in the final round, but as before it was Ockuko getting best from each exchange.

When referee Paul Thomas’ score card was read out it rightly showed Ockuko as the victor, but by a surprising 39-37 points margin, whereas I had it as a shutout 40-36 points victory for Ockuko.

Third fight of the night see Chris Rackley against the Hjag Gill.

It was a quick start by both combatants, although most shots from either man failed to penetrate the others guard in the early exchanges. First clean shot came from Gill, who landed a peach of a body shot.

From then on it was Gill totally dominating the round, leaving Rackley to go more and more defensive, with the odd counter to the body of the elusive Gill.

Throughout the second round Gill’s superior movement caused Rackley to miss way too often, which in turn left openings for Gill to pounce and rough Rackley up.

However as the second round came to a close Rackley had started to get a little success, landing a succession of clean shots in the final seconds.

Round three see Rackley start to take control of the fight, forcing Gill onto the back foot. Gill fought well defensively but by the end of the round Rackley was well in control, following Rackley landing a cracking right that clearly stunned Gill.

With the fight in the balance it came as no surprise that both combatants came out hard and fast in the final round. Almost right from the start the crowd were on their feet, as a true toe to toe Battle Royale ensued.

Both men enjoyed success throughout, however it was Rackley that landed the more meaningful shots, enough to win the round, which in turn proved to be enough to secure the contest, by a close 39-38 points victory.

The second fight of the night pitted Scrappa Smith against Lewis van Poetsh.

Right from the off Poetsh pressured Smith, who kept trying to get his jab going to try and stymie the relentless forward coming attacks from Poetsh without much success. Poetsh was getting more and more success, landing vicious left and rights to the body.

More of the same in the second, although Smith was getting some good success when working on the inside, problem was Poetsh was getting more!

About midway through Poetsh landed a scintillating left-right combination which clearly hurt Smith, so much so that Scrappa became more defensive minded, which left Poetsh opportunity after opportunity to showcase his excellent boxing skills.

The pace slowed in round three, Smith used his jab effectively in the early part of the round, but by the midway point Poetsh had once again began to exert his authority and was able to pick of Smith at will.

Realising he was behind, Smith went hard on the attack in the final stanza, leaving Poetsh no option but to counter, which he did rather effectively, so much so that once again he had landed the more meaningful shots.

Even before referee Mickey Vann’s scorecard was readout it was clear an upset was on the cards, so no surprises then when the result showed a 39-37 points victory in favour of Poetsh.

Opening up the show was Mark Douglas versus Dmitri Kalinovskij.

Douglas shot out of his corner like an Olympic sprinter, when the bell rang to start the contest, quickly closing down Kalinovskij and landing a storming overhand right that had clearly stunned the Lithuanian visitor.

Douglas then went to work, throwing bomb after bomb to head and body, Kalinovskij tried to counter at any given opportunity but the pressure from Douglas proved too much and around the two minute mark, Douglas sent the Lithuanian to the canvas with massive right.

Douglas kept up the pressure in the second, pounding Kalinovskij’s body with big left and right hands, around the one minute mark the Lithuanian found himself backed into the corner, Douglas stepped in and started letting rip with big left and rights. After about ten to fifteen seconds of pounding, with nothing coming back from Kalinovskij, referee Paul Thomas had no option but to step in to save the Lithuanian further punishment.

Have to say it was so refreshing to attend a small hall show where there fights were properly matched, something lacking on the British scene for a long while, where instead so called prospects are getting ridiculously easy fights way too far into their career.

Dave Murphy and his crew deserve a big slap on the back for keeping the show on track, not an easy task with not only the loss of the Goodwin-Fagan title fight, but also the loss of the proposed main support bout, Dean Byrne versus Jay Morris for the vacant International Masters Welterweight title just days previously.

The reason Byrne-Morris failed to materialize is very different to that of the headline bout, in this case the British Boxing Board of Control told BBBodC license holders taking part, stating that if they take part in the event it will be deemed they have resigned their license with the board or at least put their license holding in jeopady.

Hmm, that sounds familiar, didn’t they do the same prior to David Haye versus Dereck Chisora back in July last year!

In addition to the loss of the two main fights, just ten days before the event Murphy and his crew also had to find new sanctioning, following the Luxembourg Boxing Federation, who sanctioned the infamous Haye-Chisora event at Upton Park last year, pulled out after pressure exerted on them by the Luxembourg Sports Ministry, following the BBBofC contacting the Luxembourg Embassy in London to complain about the LBF sanctioning another event in the UK.

However, after some nifty negotiations with the extremely efficient German Boxing Association (GBA), which was only finalized on the preceding Monday, the show was back on track.

As I said the show was of a much higher standard, bout matching wise, than we are used to here in the UK. Hopefully that means all future events, sanctioned by the GBA in the UK, will be to the same high standards, if it is that can only be good for the sport.

Marston Impresses On Debut – Stops Roman In First Round!

Marianne Marston, the exciting protégé of legendary Heavyweight Champion of the World Smokin’ Joe Frazier and two time IBF Cruiserweight Champion of the World Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham, made an impressive start to her long awaited professional career at York Hall in Bethnal Green, London, on Saturday night.

Marianne, who was discovered and trained by the aforementioned Smokin’ Joe, until his landmark North Philadelphia gym closed in 2008, has had a succession of false starts to her career over the past few years, was clearly fired up for the fight against Hungarian Gabriella Roman.

Following an entertaining ring walk, which included Marianne shadow boxing until her entry track reached a crescendo, after which she began her entry in style, dancing and banging gloves with her many admirers that lined the route.

On entering the ring Marianne once more showed her appreciation to the highly vocal and appreciative crowd, before turning to her own legion of fans, many wearing ‘Team Golden Girl’ t-shirts, which set of a cacophony of cheers that resonated throughout the famous home of British boxing.

Her ring entry must have taken close to four minutes, well over twice as long as the actual fight itself lasted.

Right from the opening bell Marianne went hard on the attack, with a mix of solid jabs and double handed flurries, within a matter of seconds Roman was sent to the canvas for the first time.

It could only have been thirty seconds later that the Hungarian girl was back on the canvas, this time following Marianne backing her into her corner and letting rip with big looping right hands followed by wickedly vicious lefts to the head.

The instant referee Ken Curtis finished the count, Marianne went back on the attack in similar vein, this time though Roman couldn’t keep her guard up, which allowed Marianne to pick her off with a barrage of massive left and rights, until the aforementioned Ken Curtis stepped in to save Roman further punishment, after just one minute and forty seven seconds of the first round.

Speaking earlier today Marianne spoke briefly on her sensational maiden victory.

“I’m ecstatic that I won, it wasn’t my intention to stop Gabriella, I just fought the way Joe (Smokin’ Joe Frazier), Marvis (Frazier) and Val (Colbert) drilled into me all those years ago.

I suppose really I would have liked to have put a few rounds under my belt just for the experience, but at the end of the day the win is the important thing, especially as I dedicated the victory to Joe.

If it wasn’t for Joe’s total belief in me, I am sure I would have given up on my dream after all the setbacks of the past few years.

I only wish he was still with us, he always said he would be there at my first fight, he may not have been there in person for obvious reasons, but I believe he was there in spirit.

I’m also dedicating the win to Rio (Gianluca Di Caro), he above all others encouraged and supported me through all the ups and downs of the past few years. He is my rock, he never waivered in his support or encouragement, no matter what.

I would also like to say a huge thanks to my coach Barry Smith at the TRAD TKO Gym in Canning Town, he’s a great coach, really is one of the best around, he never tried to change my style, from that Joe had instilled, just built from it to make me a more rounded fighter.

I also have to give a massive thanks to my sponsors, Optimax, Winkball and BoxFit, they have stood by me since 2010 and I’m so pleased to finally carry their name into action.

I mustn’t forget to thank Dave Murphy and Bruce Baker, for giving me the chance to fight on their show, and finally I’d like to thank Gabriella Roman for taking the fight at such short notice.

Now it’s onwards and upwards. I can’t wait for my next fight, I hope it comes soon as I really want to be busy now I’ve finally got started.”

www.mariannemarston.com

Iain Weaver Wins in Style On Pro Debut – And Gains A New Manager!

European Silver and Commonwealth Boxing Championships Gold medalist Iain Weaver made the long awaited transition to the professional ranks, on Saturday night at the Dave Murphy promoted ‘Thunder & Lightning’ event, at York Hall in Bethnal Green, London.

Weaver put on what can only be described as a truly sensational performance, against Poland’s Damian Lawniczak.

Throughout the enthralling contest Weaver showcased his exceptional skills to an appreciative crowd on way to winning by a shutout 40-36 points margin.

Amongst those at ringside was Gary Hyde, manager of Super Bantamweight king Guillermo Rigondeaux, who was clearly impressed with Weaver’s performance as straight afterwards he began discussions to manage the 23 year old Dorset lad.

Earlier today a clearly happy Weaver spoke of the fight, as well as the possibility of Hyde guiding him through his professional career.

“It was nice to get back into the ring after a year waiting.

I took it easy in the first round, I wanted to feel him out a bit. Stepped it up a bit in the second and started to land some good clean shots, in the last two rounds I started to hurt him a bit so he started to hold more.

He’s very experienced, he gave me a good fight but I feel I put on a good performance, even though I had some ring rust as I haven’t fought in the past year.

It must have been a good performance, because Guillermo Rigondeaux’s manager Gary Hyde, who had flown over to watch me, said he was happy with the performance and said he can do something with me as a manager, so it must have been a good performance.”

WBF Save The Day For Marston, After Jasjukevica Pulls Out Of Saturday’s York Hall Clash.

On Wednesday, just a few days ahead of her long awaited professional debut, Marianne ‘Golden Girl’ Marston received the news that her opponent, Aleksandra Jasjukevica, has pulled out of their fight this coming Saturday.

The bout was set to feature on Dave Murphy’s ‘Thunder & Lightning’ event, at York Hall in Bethnal Green, London, which is headlined by the Chris Goodwin versus Oisin ‘Gael Force’ Fagan World Boxing Federation Inter-Continental Lightweight Title Clash.

On hearing of Marston’s dilemma her long time friend and sparring partner, Angel McKenzie, and World Boxing Federation European coordinator Olaf Schroeder both burned the midnight oil in a frantic effort to save the day for Marston, the exciting protégé of legendary Heavyweight Champion of the World Smokin’ Joe Frazier and two time IBF Cruiserweight Champion of the World Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham.

The race against the clock continued well into Thursday afternoon, when Schroeder called to confirm that he had located a replacement. After some swift negotiations all was well again and Marston’s fight was back on.

Speaking shortly after her final training session, under the watchful eyes of coach Barry Smith at the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym in London, Marston spoke briefly on the drama.

“My first thought when I heard Aleksandra had pulled out was, ‘oh no not again, will I ever actually get to fight’

My luck hasn’t been the greatest the past few years, each time I was due to fight previously fate decided otherwise.

All that fades into insignificance on Saturday, I will finally get to fight. I’ve trained for over six years for this, overcoming far too many major disappointments along the way, but now it will happen, which pleases me more than you could ever know.

More than anything else I am so pleased it will happen is, as I said last week, I am dedicating this fight to the memory of Joe Frazier, he was the first person to really believe in me as a boxer and even after his gym closed had always kept in touch, as he wanted to be at my first fight.

I don’t know anything about my new opponent, other than she has fought seven times, which is six times more than Aleksandra had. I don’t even know her name, which isn’t a bad thing as I’d be tempted to look her up on BoxRec and YouTube.

I can’t thank promoter Dave Murphy for giving me the opportunity to fight on his show, but more so I can’t thank Angel (McKenzie) enough for her help, she has been a great friend helping me out with sparring and of course trying to find me a replacement, also I can’t thank Olaf Schroeder enough for taking the time to find a replacement opponent at such short notice.

Now it’s down to me to put in a good performance on Saturday for my sponsors Optimax, Winkball and BoxFit, as well as repay those, especially Joe, that have shown so much faith in me over the years with a good win.”

Marianne Marston against a yet to be named opponent features on the undercard of Chris Goodwin versus Oisin ‘Gael Force’ Fagan WBF inter-Continental Lightweight Championship clash which headlines Dave Murphy’s Thunderdrome Promotions ‘Thunder & Lightning’ event at York Hall, Bethnal Green in London.

Tickets, priced £65 (Ringside), £35 (Floor) and £30 (Balcony) are available on-line at www.tkoboxoffice.com and www.mariannemarston.com or in person at the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym in Canning Town, London E16 4SA – www.tkoboxinggym.com – or the Ringtone Gym in Euston, London NW1 2PB – www.ringtonehealthandfitness.com – Tel: 07960 850645 or 07557 641597 for further information.

www.mariannemarston.com

Oisin Fagan: On Saturday, I’m Bringing The Title Back To Ireland.

After a two year sabbatical from the sport Dublin’s Oisin ‘Gael Force’ Fagan returns to active duty this coming Saturday, at York Hall in Bethnal Green, London, England, where he and Chester’s Chris Goodwin will battle it out for the vacant World Boxing Federation (WBF) Inter-Continental Lightweight Title.

Fagan, who during his career has been in with some of the top stars of the sport, including Amir Khan and Paul Spadafora, has surprised many pundits with his decision to mark his return to the fray, with a championship bout against a young and highly rated prospect such as Goodwin.

Speaking from his home in Dublin a seriously determined sounding Fagan said.

“I’m just pleased that the fight is finally going ahead, even though I’ve had only four or five days to prepare.

They may think that this coming together so quickly may catch me on the hop, but it wont, I train every day, I don’t take any time off between fights, so if they’re relying on that they’ve better think again.

I’ve fought some of the top names in the sport including a couple of World Champions, so even though I’m fighting away again, fighting in England against an Englishman doesn’t bother me.

I’m coming to win you know, the WBF title is coming back to Ireland with me.”

Chris Goodwin versus Oisin Fagan, for the WBF Inter-Continental Lightweight title, headlines Dave Murphy’s Thunderdrome Promotions ‘Thunder & Lightning’ event at York Hall, Bethnal Green in London on the 27th April 2013.

Tickets, priced £65 (Ringside), £35 (Floor) and £30 (Balcony) are available on-line at either www.tkoboxoffice.com or www.mariannemarston.com

Tickets can also be purchased from any of the listed Boxers and are also available at the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym in Canning Town, London E16 4SA – www.tkoboxinggym.com – or the Ringtone Gym in Euston, London NW1 2PB – www.ringtonehealthandfitness.com – Tel: 07960 850645 or 07557 641597 for further information.

Thunder & Lightning At York Hall

On Saturday April 27 at the legendary York Hall in London, England, Chris Goodwin will face Oisin Fagan for the vacant World Boxing Federation Intercontinental Lightweight title on a show billed as “Thunder & Lightning” by promoters Mark McCormick / Fight Options & Dave Murphy.

The younger man by fifteen years, Goodwin (24) will enter the ring as a former two-time International Masters champion and with a fine professional record of 16-2-1 (0). Remarkably he has yet to score his first stoppage in the paid ranks, and it seems a long-shot that he will do so against the tough Fagan.

Goodwin turned pro in 2006 with a loss on points to another debutant, Chris Mullen, but since then only former British champion Carl Johanneson has managed to get the better of him, and only by split decision, when they fought last year.

In Oisin Fagan, 26-8 (15), the Chester-technician will be in with an opponent who has “been-there-done-that”! In 2003 the Irishman made his pro debut in what was then his adopted hometown, Oklahoma City, USA, and won five of his first six bouts before squaring off with another up-and-coming lightweight, the 4-0 Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

While Chavez won that fight on points, Fagan was more successful the following year when he captured the Oklahoma State title, an accomplishment which started an eleven fight winning-streak that only ended when undefeated former world champion Paul Spadafora (39-0-1 at the time) edged him by split decision in 2007.

Since coming up short against Spadafora, Fagan has gone 9-4 against mostly good opposition, and only lost title fights to Verquan Kimkrough (by split decision), Amir Khan, Eddie Hyland and Andy Murray. Since 2008 he has been back in Dublin, and he is reportedly focused on teaching the young Goodwin a lesson in London.

Thunder & Lightning, the Chris Goodwin vs. Osin Fagan World Boxing Federation Intercontinental Lightweight title fight, is a true clash between promising prospect and seasoned campaigner. Goodwin has youth, speed and technique on his side, while Fagan has a clear edge in power and experience.

It remains to be seen what, and who, will prevail at York Hall, a venue that has more boxing history than most arenas in the world.

Tickets, priced £65 (Ringside), £35 (Floor) and £30 (Balcony) are available on-line at www.tkoboxoffice.com or in person at the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym in Canning Town, London E16 4SA – www.tkoboxinggym.com – or the Ringtone Gym in Euston, London NW1 2PB – www.ringtonehealthandfitness.com – Tel: 07960 850645 or 07557 641597 for further information.

www.worldboxingfederation.net

Chris Goodwin’s Pumped Up For Oisin Fagan Title Clash This Saturday

It’s third time lucky for Chester’s Chris Goodwin and Dublin’s Oisin ‘Gael Force’ Fagan, as their long awaited clash for the vacant World Boxing Federation (WBF) Inter-Continental Lightweight crown is finally set to take place at York Hall in Bethnal Green, London this coming Saturday.

The pair were originally due to fight each other, in Cork, on December 15th last year, but the fight was cancelled following Goodwin’s sister being involved in a near fatal car crash.

The bout was rescheduled to take place at the Civic Hall in Grays, Essex earlier this month, but unfortunately due to circumstances beyond either fighters control the bout failed to take place.

The extraordinary circumstances that caused the second postponement looked set to kill off the match-up altogether, that was until Bruce Baker, Chairman of the Professional Boxing Promoters Association (PBPA) and promoter Dave Murphy stepped in to bring the highly volatile ‘Battle Royale’ to the Capital, to headline Murphy’s ‘Thunder & Lightning’ event, which takes place at York Hall in Bethnal Green, London on Saturday 27th April 2013.

Following his check weight, reigning World Boxing Foundation Lightweight World Champion Chris Goodwin said,

“It’s definitely third time lucky, we were more than a bit disappointed about the last cancelation, mainly training wise, it’s frustrating when you’ve done everything to get down to the weight.

It was out of our hands, the BBBofC had a licensing issue with Oisin, I don’t know what it was but he couldn’t fight so it was cancelled.

The first time I just couldn’t fight, my sister had a really bad crash, she was in intensive care for a couple of weeks and my mind wasn’t in the right place to fight.

She’s doing absolutely brilliant now though. She’s doing really good, she’s up and about and driving again so she’s doing really well.

Mind you everything’s come together well for this fight, training camp’s been first class and my weight’s good. I’m really looking forward to the fight.

It’s going be a really tough fight, he’s had some good fights against seriously tough opposition.

I know he’s really experienced, which suits us. I mean as you progress you want tougher opponents, you’re going come across these tough fighters at some time, so I told myself that I’m going to have to fight someone of his caliber, so why not do it now.

So we are and I’m ready for whatever he brings on the night.”

Chris Goodwin versus Oisin Fagan, for the WBF Inter-Continental Lightweight title, headlines Dave Murphy’s Thunderdrome Promotions ‘Thunder & Lightning’ event at York Hall, Bethnal Green in London on the 27th April 2013.

Tickets, priced £65 (Ringside), £35 (Floor) and £30 (Balcony) are available on-line at either www.tkoboxoffice.com or www.mariannemarston.com

Tickets can also be purchased from any of the listed Boxers and are also available at the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym in Canning Town, London E16 4SA – www.tkoboxinggym.com – or the Ringtone Gym in Euston, London NW1 2PB – www.ringtonehealthandfitness.com – Tel: 07960 850645 or 07557 641597 for further information.

Iain Weaver Interview: Talks Pro Debut, Luke Campbell, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Vasyl Lomachenko etc.

By Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro

This coming Saturday one of the UK’s top amateur stars, European Silver and Commonwealth Boxing Championships Gold medalist, Iain Weaver makes his long awaited professional debut at York Hall in London.

Back in July last year Iain was on the verge of hitting the big time, pro boxing wise, promoter Eddie Hearn had convinced him to sign with his Matchroom Sport concern with the promise of debuting on his September Alexandra Palace mega event, headlined by Darren Barker’s return.

However this failed to materialize, due to the British Boxing Board of Control refusing to license him after his brain scan highlighted a cyst.

Various appeals followed after independent neurosurgeons cleared him as fit to box, as the cyst was genetic, had been there all his life and presented virtually no danger to his health.

One of the neurosurgeons even stated, that during his career he had only seen one similar type of cyst bleed, and that was due to the person received major trauma after being involved in a serious road accident.

Even though Iain had enjoyed ‘elite’ status as an Amateur, fought 115 times and represented his country at the highest level with the cyst, as well as having various top neurosurgeons clear him, the BBBofC still refused to license him.

Earlier this year Iain successfully applied for a Spanish license, however as soon as it was announced, that he would be fighting in London on the 27th, the BBBofC successfully lobbied the European Boxing Union to assist in persuading the Spanish Federation to revoke the license.

Never one to give up, Iain successfully applied to a different European sanctioning organization for a professional license and finally makes his professional debut at York Hall in London this coming Saturday.

I met up with Iain at the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym in Canning Town as he finalized his preparations for his long awaited pro debut.

Initially I had asked Iain about the ongoing saga, it had only been a few days earlier that he had been informed that he has been successful in his latest license application, but it was clear that the 23 year old from Ferndale in Dorset felt uncomfortable discussing the whole sorry affair, much preferring to talk boxing in general.

Rio: Finally you get to pro debut this Saturday at York Hall, it’s been a bit of a drama getting here but now you are, so how do you feel with your first fight being just a few days away?

Iain: Yeah, I think it’s great, I can’t wait to get into the ring.

It’s been a long time coming, the 27th can’t come quick enough though.

Rio: You’ve had a great amateur career, what would you say are the highlights of your career?

Iain: I think the highlights were really the European Silver medal and the Commonwealth Games, I won the Commonwealth Youth Games and the Commonwealth Seniors, that was a great experience for me.

It was really special to be a part of them and you know traveling the World with all the other GB lads was a great four years of my life.

Rio: The transition from Amateur to Pro is not always an easy move, how have you coped with the different areas in making the move?

Iain: To be honest, I’ve always had a bit of a pro style anyway.

I’ve always suited the pros better, I always started slow in the amateurs and tended to lose the first round and got stronger as the fight goes on. I think doing more rounds will suit me better.

I’m really looking forward to my debut as I feel I should have been fighting pro much earlier. If I hadn’t been on the Olympic squad and had a chance of going to London 2012 I probably would have switched earlier.

Rio: Since you bought up the Olympics, your nemesis Luke Campbell is turning pro with Matchroom Sport, so in the near future we could have ‘Groves-DeGale’ type of showdown between you two again, this time on the pro circuit.

Iain: Definitely, he suited the amateurs, he was hard to beat, he was a good kid for the weight, three threes suited him, but the pros are a different ball game and I think it’ll suit me more than it’ll suit him.

Rio: I’m going to stick with the amateurs – in your opinion who has been the standout amateur boxer, past or present?

Iain: To be honest it’s either (Guillermo) Rigondeaux from Cuba or Lomanchenko from the Ukraine.

I’ve been in tournaments with Vasyl Lomachenko and I’ve seen him first hand and he is a very special talent.

After watching Rigondeaux the other weekend and watching videos of him in the amateurs, I’ve got to say he’s probably one of the best amateurs ever as well as a World class pro.

He’s a southpaw and he’s quick, I watch him and try and get tips so I can do things that he does.

Rio: I Know Rigondeaux is already in the pros and a unified World Champion, but that aside who are your favourite pro boxers?

Iain: Yeah, but Rigondeaux’s got to be right up there, but when I first started making my move to the pros my coach said I reminded him of Pernell Whitaker.

I didn’t really know too much about him, didn’t know who he was, so I looked him up on YouTube and that’s the style I like, the style I like to fight at.

Yeah, Pernell Whitaker is probably my favourite one.

Oh and I was born on the same day as Muhammad Ali, so he’s one of my favourites also.

Rio: Thank you for taking some time out from your preparations to talk with me and good luck on the 27th, although I’m sure you don’t need it.

Iain: No problem, I’d like to say to your readers, it’s going to be a great show, there’s even a big title fight headlining. It’s not on TV, so the only way to see this is get down to York Hall on Saturday.

Iain Weaver will be making his debut, against a yet to be named opponent, on the undercard of the Oisin Fagan versus Chris Goodwin WBF Inter-Continental Lightweight title clash, that headlines Dave Murphy’s Thunderdrome Promotions ‘Thunder & Lightning’ event at York Hall, Bethnal Green in London on the 27th April 2013.

Tickets, priced £65 (Ringside), £35 (Floor) and £30 (Balcony) are available on-line at www.tkoboxoffice.com or in person from Iain himself or alternatively at the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym in Canning Town, London E16 4SA – www.tkoboxinggym.com – or the Ringtone Gym in Euston, London NW1 2PB – www.ringtonehealthandfitness.com – Tel: 07960 850645 or 07557 641597 for further information.

Chris Goodwin Vs. Oisin Fagan Title Fight Added To April 27th York Hall Event

Back in December last year Chester’s Chris Goodwin was due to travel to Cork in Ireland to face ‘homeboy’ Oisin ‘Gael Force’ Fagan, for the vacant World Boxing Federation (WBF) Inter-Continental Lightweight crown. However fate stepped in and the fight never got to go ahead.

Some four months later the pair finally go toe to toe for the WBF title, as they have been added to the upcoming Dave Murphy promoted ‘Thunder & Lightning’ event, which takes place at York Hall in Bethnal Green, London on Saturday 27th April 2013.

Goodwin, the reigning World Boxing Foundation Lightweight World Champion, switches allegiance to the more meaningful World Boxing Federation in his quest to add further silverware to his trophy cabinet, where he aims to not only include the WBF Inter-Continental but ultimately the WBF World Championship belt to his collection, that already includes the aforementioned World Boxing Foundation World Lightweight and both the International Masters Lightweight and Welterweight belts.

He is mightily unlucky not to also include the Lonsdale Belt to his collection, after losing, by a really close split points decision, to Carl Johanneson in their sensational BBBofC Lightweight Title eliminator back in March last year.

As stated previously Goodwin is keen to add the World Boxing Federation crown to his collection, but before he gets the chance he must first deal with the highly experienced championship campaigner Oisin Fagan.

Back in December Goodwin stated, “I know I am in for a tough night.

Fagan has been in with the likes of Paul Spadafora and Amir Khan, and he is an Irish hero.

He has a lot of experience. This is a real fight and I am getting excited about it already.”

You can be sure Goodwin’s thoughts haven’t changed over the past few months, especially since Fagan is an experienced championship campaigner himself, during his career the Dubliner has been crowned USA Oklahoma State Lightweight, Oklahoma State Lightweight and Irish Light Welterweight King.

In addition Fagan had also fought Verquan Kimbrough for the USBA Lightweight title, which he lost by a close split points decision.

Amir ‘King’ Khan then stopped the tough Irishman in the second round to lift the WBA International Lightweight crown in December 2008.

Then in 2009 Dublin’s Eddie Hyland had his hands full when they battled for the IBF Super Featherweight belt, Hyland winning by unanimous points decision after twelve sensational all action rounds of boxing.

Fagan’s last Championship outing was in 2010, when he unsuccessfully challenged Irish Lightweight Champion Andy Murray for his crown.

Main support sees Dean ‘Irish Lightning’ Byrne takes on Jay ‘IOW Assassin’ Morris, for the International Masters Welterweight title

Byrne’s sensational performance against former USBA Welterweight Champion Carson Jones back in December surely makes the plucky Irishman favourite to lift his first domestic crown.

However you just can’t write off Morris though, as the former British Masters Light Welterweight Champion is about as tough as they come.

Making his professional debut on the show is 2010 Commonwealth Boxing Championships Gold Medalist and European Silver Medalist Iain Weaver.

2009 ABA Champion Weaver was a pivotal member of Team GB Podium squad for almost four and half years, including the build up to the London 2012 Olympic Games, where he was pipped at the post for selection by eventual Gold Medalist Luke Campbell.

Peckham’s Diego Burton makes a welcome return to York Hall, where he has previously won twice, as well as scored a credible draw on his debut.

Woolwich’s Marianne Marston, the protégé of legendary Heavyweight Champion of the World Smokin’ Joe Frazier and two time Cruiserweight Champion of the World Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham, makes her well overdue debut, against Latvia’s Aleksandra Jasjukevica.

Marston, who is now trained by Barry Smith at the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym in Canning Town, is a big punching Southpaw that originally learned her craft in the fighting City of Philadelphia, USA, under the highly experienced eyes of the aforementioned greats Frazier and Cunningham.

Bermondsey based Nigerian battler Ideh Ockuko will be looking to put his last fight, against unbeaten prospect Adam Dingsdale, behind him.

It was a fantastic Battle Royale that could have gone either way, most present thought the match a draw, however the man that matters, the referee, gave the decision to Dingsdale by a very close 38-39 points margin.

21 year old Chris Rackley from Slough in Berkshire will be keen to impress when he returns to York Hall, the scene of his hard fought draw against the highly experienced Liam Griffiths back in February.

West Drayton’s unbeaten Welterweight Scrappa Smith makes his first visit to York Hall and will also be looking to build on his two great wins to date.

Last but not least Wokingham’s Mark Douglas makes his long awaited return to the ring, following a long, forced, sabbatical after he dislocated his shoulder whilst battling with Lee Purdy for the Southern Area strap back in 2009.

Oisin Fagan versus Chris Goodwin, for the WBF Inter-Continental Lightweight title, headlines Dave Murphy’s Thunderdrome Promotions ‘Thunder & Lightning’ event at York Hall, Bethnal Green in London on the 27th April 2013.

Tickets, priced £65 (Ringside), £35 (Floor) and £30 (Balcony) are available on-line at either www.tkoboxoffice.com or www.mariannemarston.com

Tickets can also be purchased from any of the listed Boxers and are also available at the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym in Canning Town, London E16 4SA – www.tkoboxinggym.com – or the Ringtone Gym in Euston, London NW1 2PB – www.ringtonehealthandfitness.com – Tel: 07960 850645 or 07557 641597 for further information.

European Silver Medalist Iain Weaver Ready For Pro Debut On 27th April

Following a frustrating few months, outstanding Team GB star Iain Weaver finally makes his most welcome professional debut at York Hall in Bethnal Green on Saturday 27th April, on the Dave Murphy promoted ‘Thunder & Lightning’ event, headlined by Dean ‘Irish Lightning’ Byrne versus Jay ‘IOW Assassin’ Morris International Masters Welterweight title clash.

Weaver, who was an integral part of the Team GB podium squad throughout Rob McCracken’s preparations for the London 2012 Olympics, has enjoyed a highly successful amateur career, culminating in both Commonwealth Boxing Championships Gold and European Silver Medals.

Even though he had been enjoying excellent form, in the pre Olympics build up, Weaver unfortunately wasn’t selected for a London 2012 slot, losing out to eventual Gold medalist Luke Campbell.

Following a full on sparring session at the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym in Canning Town, Weaver spoke briefly about his upcoming professional debut.

“Yeah, my pro debut is on the 27th April at York Hall. It’s gonna be great night for me and my fans.

It’s been a longtime coming, I’ve been waiting nearly a year. I’m just gonna get out there and enjoy every minute.

On the 27th I’m gonna make a real statement. It’s been a long time coming, but I’ve been training hard and I can’t wait, I’m so ready to fight.

I had a very good amateur career, I was in the Team GB squad four and half years, won the European Silver medal and the Commonwealth Boxing Championships Gold medal, so had a good amateur career.

I thought I should have gone to the Olympic Games, I didn’t, which is a bit of a sore subject, but can’t moan had a good amateur career and fought at the European Championships and Commonwealth Games.

I fought all over the World, been to more countries than I can remember, which is something I’m hoping to do as a pro.

I didn’t get an Olympic medal as an amateur, so now I want to put that behind me and see what I can achieve as a pro, as I really want to win a World title, I want to win as many titles as I can.

Finally I’d like to say to all my fans, as well as all boxing fans, it’s gonna be a great night of boxing. I’ve waited a long time for this and I’m gonna put on a great show for the fans.

You’re not gonna want to miss this, so get down to York Hall on the 27th.”

Iain Weaver will be making his debut, against a yet to be named opponent, on the undercard of the Dean ‘Irish Lightning’ Byrne versus Jay ‘IOW Assassin’ Morris International Masters Welterweight Championship clash that headlines Dave Murphy’s Thunderdrome Promotions ‘Thunder & Lightning’ event at York Hall, Bethnal Green in London on the 27th April 2013.

Tickets, priced £65 (Ringside), £35 (Floor) and £30 (Balcony) are available on-line at www.tkoboxoffice.com or in person from Iain himself or alternatively at the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym in Canning Town, London E16 4SA – www.tkoboxinggym.com – or the Ringtone Gym in Euston, London NW1 2PB – www.ringtonehealthandfitness.com – Tel: 07960 850645 or 07557 641597 for further information.

www.tkoboxoffice.com