If you were investing a few bob on a bet on a future British champ from the North-East, Joe Maphosa would be worth a punt.
The Teessider is certainly looking the part and we’ll soon get to see how good he is looking.
Maphosa, with seven wins already inside his slender belt, will have his most serious test yet in Houghton on Saturday, March 16.
The 24-year-old will take on Leicestershire’s Louis ‘2Sweet’ Norman over six rounds on the ‘New Kidz on the Block’ bill promoted by Phil Jeffries at the Rainton Meadows Arena.
It is a step up in degree of difficulty as well as rounds for the Thornaby super-flyweight, who is part of the Frank Warren empire.
Norman is a former English champ and has been in British title contention now for a year or two and was stopped by Joe’s Teesside neighbour, Thomas Essomba last year in a clash for the English belt at the King Power Stadium.
Just a year Maphosa’s senior and with 13 wins from 20 appearances, the Shepshed boxer presents real danger as Joe’s coach, Imran Naeem, acknowledges.
“I’ve seen quite a bit of Louis, he’s a former English champion and two-time British title challenger,” said the Natural Progression Boxing Academy head coach.
“He’s only lost to top, top quality boxers like Charlie Edwards, Andrew Selby, Thomas Essomba and Marc Leach.
“We’re under no illusions, this is a step up.
“Louis is still only 25, still ambitious, he’s not going to lie down for us.
“But Joe is looking the real deal and he’s up for the challenge.
“We asked for the fight and we’re ready for it.”
Given this is Maphosa’s first excursion over six rounds, it may be premature to say there will be a title fight next.
However, the English super-fly title will be contested in May and the British throne is currently unoccupied so perhaps the Tees Active Sports Academy graduate is not that far away.
“A win against Louis would put us nearer a position to challenge for titles,” explained Imran. “At the lighter weights you can get the opportunities a lot quicker and I think it can happen for Joe sooner rather than later.”
‘Smokin Joe’ (pictured left with Darlington bantamweight Adam Hutchinson) is part of a packed programme at Rainton Meadows.
Hartlepool’s Luke Cope (2-0), the Redcar brothers Joe and Tom Hill (3-0, 5-0), Joe Laws (3-0), Trimdon’s Terry Tyers (4-0), and Tyneside quartet Anth Ornsby (1-0), Mark Taylor (2-0), Jone Volau (5-4) and Terence Wilkinson (3-0) are all on the bill.
Words: Roy Kelly
