BoxRec

Press Release

Fight Academy’s Jack Massey gets the chance of a lifetime on November 26 when he faces Bilal Laggoune for the International Boxing Organisation (IBO) World Cruiserweight Title, at Bolton White’s Hotel – live on Fightzone.

This is a big opportunity for both men. The IBO version of the world title has previously been held by top fighters including Antonia Tarver, Tommy Hearns, James Toney, Mairis Briedis and Marco Huck – and the winner can expect to be involved in huge unification contests further down the line.

Massey has lost just once in 19 fights – a contentious British Title defeat to the highly touted Londoner, Richard Riakporhe, in 2019. Since then, ‘One Smack’ Jack has put together a brace of wins, including picking up the International Boxing Federation (IBF) European belt in his last fight in July.

Laggoune represents the Brit’s biggest challenge to date. The same age as Massey, 28, Laggoune has fought ten more times than his counterpart – with just two reverses in 29 bouts – and been in with decent operators. The Belgian also has heavy hands, having knocked out 14 men in the opposite corner, and is coming in off the back of a debatable ‘away from home’ decision loss to top-rated Tommy McCarthy for the European Title in October last year.

Massey knows this is a fabulous opportunity provided by his Fight Academy promotional team, with a win meaning he leapfrogs his domestic rivals onto the world scene.

“I’ve had a little look at him and he’s a very good opponent. I saw him box McCarthy and the decision was a bit ‘hit and miss’, it was very close. He’s excellent opposition and this can only be a good fight.

“He’s definitely the best I’ve faced so far but, with the world title on the line, I’m training harder than I ever have before and believe I’ll go out and do a proper job on him. This is why I’m boxing and I intend to make a big statement.

“It would be amazing to win the IBO belt. When you look at the people that have held [a version of] it over the years like Anthony Joshua, Usyk has just won it from Joshua, Klitschko, Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather – the list goes on for ever. All the big names at different weights have fought for it, and it’s a great title to have.

“It would be absolutely massive to win it; it would open up some huge doors and could lead to unification fights against some big names. The night will be amazing, headlining on Fightzone, we’ll sell the place out and the atmosphere will be incredible.”

Chief support sees England’s Mark Jeffers and Belgium’s Michel Garcia fight for the vacant WBO Global Super Middleweight Title, and Scotland’s Nathaniel Collins defending the Commonwealth Featherweight Title versus South Africa’s Thembani Mbangatha.

Also appearing on the undercard are London’s Harry Mullins; Zak Miller from Ashton under Lyne; Manchester’s Josh Holmes and Billy Deniz; Bolton’s Khaleel Madjid, and Salford’s Jake Andrews.

ah, so massey vs laggoune is the fight zone world title blockbuster

margaret thatcher wrote: ↑12 Oct 2021, 13:06 ah, so massey vs laggoune is the fight zone world title blockbuster

“It would be amazing to win the IBO belt. When you look at the people that have held [a version of] it over the years like Anthony Joshua, Usyk has just won it from Joshua, Klitschko, Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather – the list goes on for ever. All the big names at different weights have fought for it, and it’s a great title to have.

^^^

Then they say things like this to hype it..

Eubank Jr. Is gonna be pissed they didn’t name drop him..

Promoters and boxers will only hype something when they’re involved.

Someone else does it, they’ll slate it.

Press Release | Jack Massey Nears High-Stakes Showdown With Bilal Laggoune

If Jack Massey can win the International Boxing Organization (IBO) World Cruiserweight Title on Friday November 26, he’ll find himself in excellent company.

Massey and Belgium’s Bilal Laggoune meet for the vacant belt at Bolton White’s Hotel – live on Fightzone – with the winner the latest in a long line of illustrious names to have held the title. Legends including James Toney and Tommy Hearns are both previous holders of the IBO strap, as well as other notable names including Brits Carl Thompson and Ola Afolabi, and Poland’s Tomasz Adamek.

Massey versus Laggoune is a fight that has got fans talking and trade insiders buzzing – with many unable to call a winner.

Jack has lost just once in 19 outings, a debatable 2019 British Title defeat to highly touted Londoner, Richard Riakporhe. Since then, ‘One Smack’ has put together a brace of wins, including picking up the International Boxing Federation (IBF) European belt with a stoppage victory in his last fight in July.

Laggoune though will be the Brit’s biggest challenge to date. Also aged 28, Laggoune has fought ten more times than Massey – with just two reverses in 29 bouts – and been in with capable operators. The Belgian also has heavy hands, having knocked out 14 men in the opposite corner, and is coming in off the back of a short-notice ‘away from home’ decision loss to top-rated Tommy McCarthy for the European Title in October last year.

Ahead of the big night of boxing, Fight Academy promoter Dennis Hobson says this is a fantastic opportunity for Jack to stake his claim on the world scene but he will need to be at his very best to come out on top.

“When you look at the names who’ve won this title, some of them have created absolute legacies in the sport,” stated Dennis. “So, to be on the same page as them is a fantastic achievement; nice company to be in. Jack left Queesnsberry [Promotions] a bit disillusioned with the game and within two weeks of coming with us he won the IBF European Title and is now in for a world title straight away. Things like this just don’t happen, there’s been a lot of hard work behind the scenes. We put our money where our mouth is, and we’re good at getting our fighters opportunities. If it was easy, everybody would be doing it!

“This is a platform for both Jack and Laggoune to move into some mega fights. He looks the part does Jack, and he’s exciting to watch. It’s tough fight but so it should be, it’s a world title fight. You don’t just get given these belts, you have to earn them. He’s in with a kid who’s beatable but if he’s not up to it then he’ll get found out. We believe in Jack, he’s not in with Floyd Mayweather but has got a very credible opponent who will be as determined as Jack to become a world champ. You don’t win an opportunity like this without having to dig deep, but we believe Jack has it in him to do that.”

One Smack’ has put together a brace of wins

Laggoune has fought ten more times than Massey – with just two reverses in 29 bouts

lol who the hell communicates like this. ya i've won 19 fights, have 3 reverses, and am on a winning brace.

Massey versus Laggoune is a fight that has got fans talking and trade insiders buzzing

ya, no doubt!

margaret thatcher wrote: ↑16 Nov 2021, 06:35

One Smack’ has put together a brace of wins

Laggoune has fought ten more times than Massey – with just two reverses in 29 bouts

lol who the hell communicates like this. ya i've won 19 fights, have 3 reverses, and am on a winning brace.

Massey versus Laggoune is a fight that has got fans talking and trade insiders buzzing

ya, no doubt!

Gotta love the press releases..

Press Release | Jack Massey's Trainer Expects Punching Power To Shock Bilal Laggoune

Rob Rimmer was always going to be a top boxing trainer. Rob is the son of one of the UK’s best known coaches, Bobby Rimmer, and has been around boxing gyms, great fighters and big fights nights for as long as he can remember.

The Manchester man – who boxed as an amateur and was also on the professional books of both Oldham Athletic and Bury FC – has trained a number of fighters at championship level but will be in the corner for his biggest night of boxing on November 26 when his fighter, Jack Massey, competes for the International Boxing Organization (IBO) World Title.

Massey will be in a hard fight against Belgium’s Bilal Laggoune at a sold out Bolton Whites Hotel, with all the action shown live by new UK boxing channel, Fightzone.

Massey has lost just once in 19 outings, a contentious 2019 British Title defeat to highly rated Londoner, Richard Riakporhe. Since then, the 28-year-old has got back on the winning track with a brace of wins, including picking up the International Boxing Federation (IBF) European belt with a stoppage victory in his last fight in July.

Laggoune, also 28, has experience on his side. The Belgian has just two losses in 29 bouts and has been in with decent operators. Bilal can also dig, evidenced by his 14 KO victories, and has a point to prove to UK fans after a short-notice ‘away from home’ decision loss to top-rated Tommy McCarthy for the European Title in October last year.

Ahead of fight night, Rimmer offers his insight into the upcoming battle:

Break down Laggoune as an opponent for Jack?

This is one of Jack’s toughest fights. Bilal has a good credible record and has fought at a good level. He’s tough, durable, has never been stopped before but he’s the perfect opponent stylistically and it’s going to make for a great fight.

I’ve had a look at him, and I probably know him better than he knows himself! I’ve sat down time and time again to study him and looked at every possible angle. We’ve implemented a game plan and I really think Jack is going to nail it.

What are Laggoune’s strengths?

He’s tough and he takes risks. He likes to box on the front foot and every time I’ve watched him he likes to come forward. He’s got a good left hook and a big right hand but I think Jack’s boxing ability will shine through on the night.

The telling point in this fight will be Jack’s power. He has sheer, overwhelming power. I look back at the McCarthy fight, and no disrespect to McCarthy, but there were no really concussive shots, and vice versa. Lagounne was told towards the end ‘you know he can’t hurt you’ and to ‘come out and give it the round of your life’. If you come in with Jack and don’t respect his power then you’re in big trouble. He’s said recently that Jack doesn’t hit hard; he’s going to have the shock of his life because Jack has world level power.

Bilal is very experienced, he’s been around and he has boxed for that European Title but I look back at the [Richard] Riakporhe fight, that was a couple of years ago and Jack’s a totally different fighter. The timing is perfect, Jack is a more well-rounded fighter now and full of confidence. I’m expecting the best Laggoune on the night. Every fight at this level is a tough one and we’re preparing for a 12-round war.

What are Jack’s qualities as a fighter – what do you see in the gym?

People forget that Jack was an elite amateur. He was a double ABA champion and boxed all around the world for England. I know I’ve talked about his raw power but he can box. He’s a smart fighter and has got fast hands for a big lad. And he’s grown into the weight, so he’s big. But for me, it’s all about his hand speed for such a big lump.

How is he looking ahead of the fight?

He’s looking tremendous. Everything is where we want it to be. He’s fit, conditioned and on fire! I really couldn’t wish for him to be in a better place. It’s been a tough camp, and I’m sure it has been for Bilal as well.

How confident are you that Jack can win the IBO World Title?

I’ve never been more confident from what I’ve seen in this camp and the way I’ve seen him perform. He’s full of confidence, has shown he has tremendous heart and a great chin, but the timing of this fight is perfect. He has that hunger and desire and I’m sure Bilal does too, but I see Jack being way too strong and fast. I just don’t see any other outcome. I know Bilal has never been stopped and it would be a huge statement, but I stand by what I’ve said and fully believe he’ll go.

the 'ibo is no worse than the others' crew can take this 'world' title fight and shove it up their arse

Fight Week!

Massive chance for Jack Massey on Friday, says big fight promoter

Fight Academy promoter Dennis Hobson stressed that Friday night represents a fantastic opportunity for Chapel ace Jack 'One Smack' Massey to stake his claim on the world scene - but he will need to be at his very best to come out on top.

Massey takes on Belgium's Bilal Laggoune for the International Boxing Organisation World Cruiserweight title in Bolton and Hobson said: “When you look at the names who’ve won this title, some of them have created absolute legacies in the sport.

“So, to be on the same page as them is a fantastic achievement; nice company to be in.

“Jack left Queensberry Promotions a bit disillusioned with the game and within two weeks of coming with us he won the IBF European Title and is now in for a world title straight away.

"Things like this just don’t happen, there’s been a lot of hard work behind the scenes. We’re good at getting our fighters opportunities. If it was easy, everybody would be doing it.”

He added: “This is a platform for both Jack and Laggoune to move into some mega fights. He looks the part does Jack, and he’s exciting to watch. It’s a tough fight but so it should be, it’s a world title fight.

“You don’t just get given these belts, you have to earn them. He’s in with a kid who’s beatable but if he’s not up to it then he’ll get found out.

“We believe in Jack, he’s not in with Floyd Mayweather but has got a very credible opponent who will be as determined as Jack to become a world champ. You don’t win an opportunity like this without having to dig deep, but we believe Jack has it in him to do that.”

Is Massey the guy who was beating Riakhpore comfortably but then got stopped on a freak facial injury?

keirw wrote: ↑24 Nov 2021, 11:30 Is Massey the guy who was beating Riakhpore comfortably but then got stopped on a freak facial injury?

That was Sam Hyde.

Riak dropped Massey and beat him via UD: 115-113 | 115-113 | 117-111

Meaningless title aside, I think this is a good fight.

The top three bouts on the card look pretty well matched.

Ruthless-RKO wrote: ↑24 Nov 2021, 11:38

keirw wrote: ↑24 Nov 2021, 11:30 Is Massey the guy who was beating Riakhpore comfortably but then got stopped on a freak facial injury?

That was Sam Hyde.

Riak dropped Massey and beat him via UD: 115-113 | 115-113 | 117-111

Cheers, I obviously got them mixed up.

This looks like a decent fight, regardless of the IBO love shown in the press release.

Any watching this tonight?

jack stops the great bill laggoune to become champ of da world