Taken from a piece over on ESB...
Dean ‘Irish Lightning’ Byrne versus Jay ‘IOW Assassin’ Morris, for the International Masters Welterweight title, heads up the upcoming Dave Murphy promoted ‘Thunder & Lightning’ event, which takes place at York Hall in London on Saturday 27th April 2013.
On paper globe trotting Irishman Byrne has to be the bookies favourite, especially following his sensational performance against former USBA Welterweight Champion Carson Jones back in December – where he was mightily unlucky to receive ‘a draw’ and not the clear win that most pundits thought he thoroughly deserved.
Saying that though, former British Masters Light Welterweight Champion Morris is no walk over. The fifty two fight veteran from the Isle Of Wight is as tough as they come.
One thing for sure is this will be a classic boxer versus puncher encounter, with Byrne utilizing his classy boxing skills to maximum effect to keep the ‘Isle of Wight Assassin’ on the outside, whilst Morris will be eager to close down Byrne, get inside and pound the body of the slick Irishman.
In keeping with the international theme of the event, main support for Byrne versus Morris sees Lithuanian knockout artist Virgilijus Stapulionis returning to the UK to once again thrill the fans – Don’t blink though, as in his previous two visits to the Capital the big punching Middleweight dispatched his opponents within one round.
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.
TRAD TKO’s very own Marianne Marston makes her well overdue debut, against Latvia’s Aleksandra Jasjukevica.
Marston, the protégé of legendary Heavyweight Champion of the World Smokin’ Joe Frazier and two time Cruiserweight Champion of the World Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham, is a big punching Southpaw that learned her craft in the fighting City of Philadelphia, USA – ‘nuff said!
Bermondsey based Nigerian battler Ideh Ockuko will be looking to get back to winning ways.
Ockuko’s last fight, against unbeaten prospect Adam Dingsdale, was a fantastic barnstormer that could have gone either way, in the end though the decision went to Dingsdale by a very close 38-39 points margin.
Chris Rackley will be making his third professional outing. The 21 year old Welterweight 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.
Another youngster, 22 year old Scrappa Smith from West Drayton, makes his first visit to York Hall and will also be looking to build on his two great wins to date.
Local boy, Francis Maina from Limehouse, will be looking to get back to winning ways, having lost his last three outings – all away from home fights and against unbeaten prospects.
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.
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
