Getting a win and getting straight back in the mix.
That’s Joe Maphosa who will return to the ring on Saturday, November 13, when he’ll be making the first appearance since his maiden defeat last month.
The 27-year-old will be one of the principal support acts to headliner, Tommy Ward, at the Phil Jeffries show at Rainton Arena.
Far from hiding away or sulking following his split decision points defeat to Craig Derbyshire in their English super-flyweight title, Smokin’ Joe has been back at work in his trainer Imran Naeem’s Natural Progression Boxing Academy gym.
“I was very eager to get back in the ring as soon as possible and I’m grateful to Jaffa for the opportunity,” explained the Teessider who said a long rest was the last thing on his mind.
“I can’t wait to get in there and show people what I’m really about.
“I’m not making any excuses about losing to Craig but I performed no where near the standard that I now I can.
“I want to prove to people that I am at title level.
“This is a great show to do it on – Tommy Ward is going to be topping the bill and it’s going to be shown around the world on ESPN+.
“I’m looking to get the win and then getting straight back in the mix.
“I’ve lost something like 18 months of my career because of the pandemic.
“I don’t want to lose any more time – boxing is a relatively short career so I want to be the best fighter I can possibly be.”
While Maphosa was disappointed to miss out on the belt, defeat was not the end of the world.
“I had a week off immediately after the fight but was then straight back in the gym to work on the things I need to improve on,” said the Thornaby star.
“The time out during lockdown didn’t help me that night against Craig – I wasn’t as sharp as I normally am
“There were positives I took from the night – it was my first headline fight, my first title fight and my first 10 rounder. “It was also the first time I’ve been put down and I got up and kept fighting all the way to the last bell.”
The show will be headlined by Ward, as he chases a world ranking at featherweight, while there will be appearances from Adam Cope, Joe Laws, Ewan McKenzie, Sam Menzies, Jordan Barker Porter and Terence Wilkinson who is reported to have a Northern Area title match with Seaham’s Jordan Ellison.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Tom Collins/ Stockton & Billingham Life
