Joe Maphosa is ready to Rumble!
The Teessider has been handed his first title shot and it could well happen here in the North-East if the manager of unbeaten “Smokin’ Joe” gets his way.
The British Boxing Board of Control have sanctioned the English Super-flyweight championship showdown between Maphosa and Doncaster’s former national champion, Craig Derbyshire.
Jeffries proposes to stage this big battle of the little fellas at Houghton-le-Spring on Saturday, July 31.
The Wearside fight figure had been dreaming of staging his 10th Summer Rumble at the Stadium of Light, but Sunderland’s iconic football ground will, sadly, not be available. However, Maphosa v Derbyshire is some fight to headline the Rainton Rumble in what is almost certain to be the first North-East professional boxing of 2021.
“I’m really excited for Joe, his people, his fans and North-East boxing supporters,” Jaffa told punch-lines.
“I’ve got to say, it’s not a done deal yet.
“The BBBC have ordered the fight for the vacant title and I’m hoping to agree terms with Craig’s manager, Carl Greaves, to put it on at Houghton on July 31.
“If we can’t agree, it will have to go to purse bids, but hopefully we can sort things out.”
It’s a massive boost for Maphosa, who has reeled off 10 straight wins as a professional, one coming inside the distance.
Punch-lines revealed in July 2020 how the Thornaby talent had switched management camps to Jeffries, having spent the early stages of his pro career with Frank Warren.
“When Joe came to me I promised I’d get him a title fight,” said Phil.
“A few years back I promised the same to Lewis Ritson when he signed for me and look where Lewis’s career has gone from that British title win.
“Joe is a really classy fighter who has come on brilliantly under his coach, Imran Naeem, who I have a lot of time for.
“I’ve promoted Joe before and really enjoyed watching him box and I’m looking forward to this fight and working with him. Imran and MTK to give him the best possible career opportunities.”
Joe, who is based in the Natural Progression Boxing Academy in Stockton, was really looking the part just when lockdown came.
He made it 10 wins from 10 on the North-East last show, back at the end of February 2020, when he impressed in a six-round points victory over Moises Mojica on MTK’s show at Newcastle Eagles Community Arena.
The 26-year-old’s stand-out win though probably came on a Jaffa promotion in December 2019 at the Rainton Meadows Arena, where he registered an outstanding victory over Marius Vysniauskas, a high-calibre former international amateur gold medalist.
Maphosa has a hard task on his hands against Derbyshire, who is a former holder of the English belt.
The 29-year-old’s record of 7-28-3 may not look like one to give the former Tees Active Academy member sleepless nights.
But he won the then vacant English super-flyweight title in May 2019 when he beat KO specialist, Nathan Reeve, in the Northampton man’s backyard.
Derbyshire lost out on a very close majority points verdict in his maiden defence against Liverpool’s Marcel Braithwaite in Hull, but he is a highly-capable fighter, with tons of experience.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Tom Collins/ Stockton & Billingham Life
