It did not work out badly for the Assassin and can One Bomb now produce an explosive night?
Tom Hill’s fight with unbeaten prospect Jack Rafferty is back on at MTK’s Fight Night in Pontefract on Wednesday, November 11.
The pair had been due to clash on Sunday, October 18 only for Hill and his coach, Dave Binns, to test positive for Covid19.
It came the same week as Savannah Marshall’s world title confrontation against Hannah Rankin was postponed after Peter Fury, trainer of the ‘Silent Assassin’ also tested positive.
Marshall made light work of her re-arranged date by stopping Rankin to become the WBO’s world middleweight champion on Saturday.
There is no belt on the line for One Bomb but there is plenty riding on the eight-rounder at the Production Park Studios, and will be broadcast live in the US on ESPN+ in association with Top Rank, and worldwide on IFLTV.
Rafferty is known as ‘Demolition Man’, for a good reason, after clocking up a 12-0 record, including seven stoppages.
But a victory for Redcar star Hill would see him nab Rafferty’s position in the ratings.
Promoter Lee Eaton said: “We’re delighted to reschedule this fantastic fight between Jack Rafferty and Tom Hill for our stacked MTK Fight Night.
“It was a huge shame when the fight couldn’t take place on our October 18 event.
“But thankfully we haven’t had to wait long for it to be re-booked, and it’s a testament to both men for their willingness to jump back in so soon after the original date.
“It’s the latest addition to what is already a tremendous bill full of talented stars, and we can’t wait to see it all unfold.”
Hill is chasing his 10th professional win at the West Yorkshire venue.
Trained in Peterlee by Binns and managed by legendary North-East fight figure, Phil Jeffries, Hill has lost only once, a Northern Area title defeat to Ellis Corrie.
Jeffries told punch-lines the talented 25-year-old “fancies the job”.
“Tom is a brilliant lad, one of the best I’ve got,” he said.
“He’s not just a very good boxer, he’s got a great attitude, he never twists and he loves boxing.
“When I put the fight to him, he never once asked about the money, he said straight away ‘I’ll take it’.
“He’s like Glenn Foot, he’ll fight anyone, anywhere.
“Tom fancies the job and I’ve every confidence in him.
“He’s had some great spars with Lewis Ritson and he’s got the ability to go and win this.”
Topping the bill will in Yorkshire will be Lee McGregor, who will be looking to add the European bantamweight title to his British and Commonwealth belts against France’s Karim Guerfi.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Tom Collins/ East Durham Life
