BoxRec

TONY JEFFRIES got his professional career back on track today by signing a three-year contract with Frank Maloney.

The Sunderland light-heavyweight will make his debut as a paid puncher in Barnsley on February 27.

It's not the home start Jeffries had dreamed of, but Maloney has promised to deliver at least two televised shows on Wearside every year – and all of his fights will be on Sky Sports.

The 23-year-old is relieved to sign up with such a high-profile promoter after his first deal with Sheffield-based Dennis Hobson collapsed last month.

Jeffries's debut will come on the under-card of Rendall Munroe's European super-bantamweight title defence against Spain's Kiko Martinez.

He said: “I was devastated when my first deal fell through but I couldn't have hoped for a better man to work with than Frank Maloney.

“I had other offers worth more money, but Frank seemed to have all the right answers to all my questions and he's got tremendous experience.

“He's had and still has some big-name fighters and I've heard good things about how he's helped Darren Sutherland – Ireland's bronze medalist in Beijing.

“I would have liked to have my first bout in Sunderland, but Frank has promised me some home fights in the future.

“I've been training hard since before Christmas and I'm ready to get started.”

Maloney – who guided Lennox Lewis to greatness – is pleased to sign up Jeffries and make him the first of Britain's Olympic medalists to fight as a pro.

“I liked Tony when I met him and he's an exciting fighter,” said Maloney.

“Getting the Olympic medal proves he can compete at international level and he brings a big following of fans in the North East.

“Not every successful Olympian goes on to win a world title, as has been proved with Audley Harrison.

“But if we take our time with Tony and get him the right fights with the right preparation, he's got a great chance.

“The North East has been an untapped area for big-time pro boxing since Billy Hardy was at his peak.”

Jeffries has been training in Manchester with Joe Gallagher and that will continue.

Tony's dad and manager Phil – who is arranging tickets and travels for his son's pro debut – said: “It's been a hectic couple of weeks.

“We've had interest in Tony from UK promoters and from Ireland and America but Frank Maloney's got a great pedigree.”


http://www.itv.com/Sport/boxing/news/Ar ... 59621.html

Im my opinion the least likely to make an impact in the pro's but it was a good move to go with Maloney.

teddy007 wrote:Im my opinion the least likely to make an impact in the pro's but it was a good move to go with Maloney.

As long as he isn't like Audley and wants to do everything, Frank Maloney will match him well enough and get him 15-20 wins before it is time to prove himself.

I think he could get to British level at least. What weight is he going to fight at?

He is tall, but quiet lean. He might be able to do super-middleweight

chris s wrote:He is tall, but quiet lean. He might be able to do super-middleweight

As has been alluded to on Steven Bunce's weekly show, it would be good if DeGale, Groves, Jeffries and perhaps Sutherland (though he might be too big) could all compete at the same weight.

i think they all plan to fight at Super-middle. I know Maloney has already said Jeffries-Sutherland could be a fight made in the future, but can't see it myself with them both in the same stable, but ...

kevin wrote:i think they all plan to fight at Super-middle. I know Maloney has already said Jeffries-Sutherland could be a fight made in the future, but can't see it myself with them both in the same stable, but ...

Its getting bad when fighters from the same stable will not fight - thats usually when it is easiest for a fight to be made.

Its getting alarmingly worrying when fighters do not fight fighters from the same stable, or fighters from a different stable (unless mandatory).

I know what you mean though, lets hope it happens in the future.

One reason I can't see them fighting soon is that Darren holds an Irish licence and therefore isn't eligible for the British title, of course it could be easily made in the future but would have to be for a belt of some description I would think in order for Frank to risk two of his top young prospects.

Politics and boxing surely not....

Looks like Frank is building up a nice stable of boxers, i like his shows , usually has a good mix on them.

Jeffries should box at supermiddle going by what he's said recently, and Joe Gallagher is a good trainer.
It will be a few fights till we can say if Jeffries looks a good prospect for definate.
Good luck to him though, seems a decent bloke.

kevin wrote:One reason I can't see them fighting soon is that Darren holds an Irish licence and therefore isn't eligible for the British title, of course it could be easily made in the future but would have to be for a belt of some description I would think in order for Frank to risk two of his top young prospects.

Politics and boxing surely not....

Yes, I agree

Absolutely delighted for Steve Wood who works with Frank Maloney - have to say had a chuckle !!!

Seriously - Frank has made a very good signing - Jaffa will do very well for himself in the paid ranks as long as he keeps his feet on the ground !!!

I hope everyone in the deal understands what their job is - if they do - Jaffa will do very well for himself.

Spud wrote:Absolutely delighted for Steve Wood who works with Frank Maloney - have to say had a chuckle !!!

Seriously - Frank has made a very good signing - Jaffa will do very well for himself in the paid ranks as long as he keeps his feet on the ground !!!
I hope everyone in the deal understands what their job is - if they do - Jaff will do very well for themselves.

Sure it cant happen twice

Spud wrote:Absolutely delighted for Steve Wood who works with Frank Maloney - have to say had a chuckle !!!

Seriously - Frank has made a very good signing - Jaffa will do very well for himself in the paid ranks as long as he keeps his feet on the ground !!!

I hope everyone in the deal understands what their job is - if they do - Jaffa will do very well for himself.

Spud please can you explain what you mean by this,Since when do you know anything about building a boxers career or promoting it. Please tell us on here whos career to have build.But i do agree with you that it is a very good signing for frank maloney promotions.

Spud wrote:Absolutely delighted for Steve Wood who works with Frank Maloney - have to say had a chuckle !!!

What were you chuckling at ? The collapse of his deal with Dennis Hobson ?

FtmPress wrote:

Spud wrote:Absolutely delighted for Steve Wood who works with Frank Maloney - have to say had a chuckle !!!

Seriously - Frank has made a very good signing - Jaffa will do very well for himself in the paid ranks as long as he keeps his feet on the ground !!!

I hope everyone in the deal understands what their job is - if they do - Jaffa will do very well for himself.

Spud please can you explain what you mean by this,Since when do you know anything about building a boxers career or promoting it. Please tell us on here whos career to have build.But i do agree with you that it is a very good signing for frank maloney promotions.

Stop getting so touchy - all you need to do is make a call to someone close to you in your camp and he will tell you what I have stated in a phone call to him!!! - in addition I am positive you know exactly what & who I am on about.

Spud wrote:

FtmPress wrote:

Spud wrote:Absolutely delighted for Steve Wood who works with Frank Maloney - have to say had a chuckle !!!

Seriously - Frank has made a very good signing - Jaffa will do very well for himself in the paid ranks as long as he keeps his feet on the ground !!!

I hope everyone in the deal understands what their job is - if they do - Jaffa will do very well for himself.

Spud please can you explain what you mean by this,Since when do you know anything about building a boxers career or promoting it. Please tell us on here whos career to have build.But i do agree with you that it is a very good signing for frank maloney promotions.

Stop getting so touchy - all you need to do is make a call to someone close to you in your camp and he will tell you what I have stated in a phone call to him!!! - in addition I am positive you know exactly what & who I am on about.

No idea what you are on about Mr Spud all i can see is Mr Spud trying to be smart and make trouble for people, Mr Spud go and get a real job and stop making out you are some boxing guru you know as much about boxing as i do of being a soldier but you were never a real one of them.

Terence wrote:

beagleboy wrote:

Spud wrote:Absolutely delighted for Steve Wood who works with Frank Maloney - have to say had a chuckle !!!

What were you chuckling at ? The collapse of his deal with Dennis Hobson ?

Nope, he is dropping hints concerning some ancient history between certain individuals, he knows, you don't, and you never will. He probably should talk about the collapse of the Hobson deal, and whether it is the nail in the coffin for FA.

Agree

kevin wrote:One reason I can't see them fighting soon is that Darren holds an Irish licence and therefore isn't eligible for the British title, of course it could be easily made in the future but would have to be for a belt of some description I would think in order for Frank to risk two of his top young prospects.

Politics and boxing surely not....

Darren is eligible for the Commonwealth title through his father who was born in St.Vincent & the Grenadines.

FtmPress wrote:

Spud wrote:Absolutely delighted for Steve Wood who works with Frank Maloney - have to say had a chuckle !!!

Seriously - Frank has made a very good signing - Jaffa will do very well for himself in the paid ranks as long as he keeps his feet on the ground !!!

I hope everyone in the deal understands what their job is - if they do - Jaffa will do very well for himself.

Spud please can you explain what you mean by this,Since when do you know anything about building a boxers career or promoting it. Please tell us on here whos career to have build.But i do agree with you that it is a very good signing for frank maloney promotions.

Spud get's well and truly served!!