Joe Maphosa knows he will be facing “contender Craig Derbyshire” not “journeyman Craig Derbyshire” when he fights for English championship glory.
The unbeaten Thornaby star, with 10 straight wins to his name, takes on the South Yorkshire fighter for the vacant super-flyweight belt at Houghton on Friday night.
Maphosa is the very warm favourite at the Rainton Arena against an opponent with stats unlikely to frighten anyone.
Derbyshire’s record on paper is 7-28-3, but that does not tell the story of the man from Bentley, who is the former title holder and has taken part in five 10-round buts (three wins against two losses).
Anyone thinking “Smokin’ Joe” only needs to tape up his gloves in order to pocket his first professional title needs to think again.
“I know Craig is coming 100 per cent to win,” said Joe who defeated Craig 40-37 in Newcastle almost three years ago in only his third paid contest.
“Even though I beat him over four rounds I know this is something totally different.
“This is a 10-round championship fight and I’m not fighting journeyman Craig, I’m fighting contender Craig.
“It’s going to be a very competitive fight.
“He knows what it’s like to be the English champion, he’s the former title holder and he’s going to be coming to get it back.”
Maphosa, trained by Imran Naeem in the Natural Progression gym in Stockton, is a mature, clever fella, he knows the score and is aware of Derbyshire’s attitude and determination.
Back in May 2019, the Carl Greaves fighter turned up in Nathan Reeve’s backyard and won the English title in Northampton, with more than one observer believing he was unlucky to lose possession of his prize next time out when Liverpool’s Marcel Braithwaite won a very close call over 10 rounds in Hull.
As well as the excitement of going into battle in front of a big crowd, there is also relief for Maphosa, who has seen this showdown postponed twice during the Covid crisis.
“It’s been stressful, wondering if it would it ever take place,” admitted the Phil Jeffries-managed boxer.
“It’s been very stop-start, first it was July, then August but Friday is now here so I’m really pleased.”
Maphosa v Derbyshire is the headline act of a six-fight card at the Rainton Arena.
Another Jaffa talent, Alex Farrell, will have his first six-rounder when GG, the Greek Geordie, meets Serge Ambomo.
Elsewhere, there is a quartet of four rounders.
There is a fascinating derby between Wallsend’s unbeaten Anth Ornsby and Jordan Ellison, who rarely wins, but will be travelling the handful of miles from Seaham with only victory on his mind.
Middlesbrough cruiser, Michael Webster tales on Poland’s Pawel Strykowski while there is overseas opposition for Jordan Barker-Porter on her debut against Vaida Masiokaite, from Lithuania.
Former Bilton Hall amateur Ewan McKenzie also joins the paid ranks with a four-rounder against Mosborough’s Paul Scaife.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Tom Collins
