Just a week to go! North-East boxing returns on Friday, Sepember 10 when Phil Jeffries stages Joe Maphosa’s eagerly-awaited English super-flyweight title shot.
“Smokin’ Joe” will take on Craig Derbyshire over 10 rounds at the Rainton Arena for the vacant belt.
Maphosa v Derbyshire is part of a six-fight card which is expected to attract a big crowd to the Houghton venue.
The event features three undefeated North-East prospects chasing their fifth wins plus the debut of two popular boxers.
Alex Farrell, the Dave Binns-trained boxer, is one of the most exciting talents on our patch.
The Greek-Geordie has looked superb in his four wins to date but now has a step up in difficulty when he is matched over six rounds with Serge Ambomo.
His opponent was an Olympian at London 2012 and the Sheffield-based Cameroon-born fighter is likely to make things awkward for the ‘Black Diamond’.
Another fighter who has thrilled fans in a four-bout winning streak is Teesside cruiser, Michael Webster (pictured).
The Middlesbrough star, trained by his old amateur coach Denis Power and managed by the highly-respected Michael Marsden, is matched here with Pawel Strykowski.
The Pole has three wins from his 15 appearances.
And the third unbeaten North-East star on the undercard, Anth Ornsby, has an intriguing derby duel at the Rainton Arena.
Managed by Steve Wraith, the co-promoter for this show, the Wallsend boxer must get the better of Jordan Ellison.
At first glance, you would say there was only one winner given Ellison is on a run of seven consecutive defeats but the Peter Cope-trained boxer has upset the odds before and local pride is very much on the line here.
There will be two debutants taking to the ring next Friday.
Jordan Barker-Porter wowed fans when boxing for Lambton Street, but now the Wearsider has become the region’s latest female professional boxer.
Jordan will take on Vaida Masiokaite over four rounds – her first contest since March 2020 when she beat Scotland’s Shannon Lawson at the Point in Sunderland.
Her opponent, from Lithuania, has two victories and four draws from her 14 fights, including results against three debutants so JBP must beware.
Promoter Jeffries has added a new signing to his stable and we’ll get a first look at Ewan McKenzie in the paid ranks at the Rainton Arena.
McKenzie, who boxed as an amateur for Bilton Hall, will tackle Paul Scaife over four rounds. The Mosborough boxer is winless in five contests.
“Tickets have gone really well – I think fans can’t wait to see live boxing again,” Jaffa told punch-lines.
“There is a brilliant top of the bill fight between Maphosa and Derbyshire.
“When Joe signed for me I promised a title fight for him and I can’t wait to see him pick up what I think will be the first of many belts.
“There are some good lads on the undercard and the fans will be excited, like me, to watch Ewan and Jordan have their debuts.
“Tickets have gone well but there are some still available.”
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Tom Collins
