Huey and Big Joe to debut at the Hangar
Huey Malone…looks a special addition to paid ranks
BCB’S March 8 show at the Hangar, Wolverhampton, has risen considerably in small hall status.
The Black Country promoter has forged a relationship with Box Nation for the “March Madness” bill. The show will be streamed live on Box Nation’s YouTube channel.
And that means the already strong card – featuring local prospects such as Gully Powar, Ryan Woolridge and Ollie Cooper – will be further bolstered by boxers from Frank Warren’s Queensberry promotional group.
The collaboration means Huey Malone, from Coventry, and Leamington heavyweight Big Joe Bourne will make their bow at the Hangar.
There’s genuine excitement over 22-year-old light-welter Malone’s debut. As an amateur with Coventry’s Christ The King ABC, he looked something very special.
He represented England nine times, winning eight, was part of the Team GB set-up for a year-and-a-half, won three national ABA titles – two as a senior – and three GB titles. In all, he lost only nine of 68 contests.
Failure to gain an Olympic place pushed Huey towards the pro ranks.
He has turned over with Birmingham’s former world title contender Matt Macklin, is trained by champion-maker Joe Gallagher at his Manchester gym and promoted by Queensberry.
Dad Brendan, who trained Huey in the amateurs, told me: “He is an absolute volume puncher, they come from all angles, Ricky Hatton style body shots. He can box, but he’s more ‘get in there’.”
Big Joe Bourne….giant of a heavyweight
Big Joe Bourne, a 6ft 4ins, 19-and-a-half stone powerhouse, is something of an unknown quantity. The 27-year-old has clinched a dream promotional deal with Queensberry after 17 amateur contests and Midlands level title successes.
“Five years ago, when I was 25 stone, I would never have dreamed of signing to Queensberry. That’s why, at times, I feel in shock,” he admitted.
The show will also feature Telford’s Bradley Thompson (6-0) and Northampton’s Ben Fail (8-0) who have both boxed on televised arena shows.
BCB boss Errol Johnson said: “It’s great to have Box Nation and Queensbury Promotions involved with our show and, with so many quality boxers on the card, it really represents great value for those buying a ticket and a great platform to watch it on for those who can’t attend.”
*Very limited tickets are available now, priced at £45 standard and £80 VIP ringside, from the boxers directly or by emailing info@bcb-promotions.com.