Jaykae leads Brum’s pro team in five star ‘Box Off’ tournament

The stars behind super-show taking place this Saturday

FOR such a major event featuring such famous – even legendary – personalities, I’m surprised Box Off, a unique, a city against city knockout tournament, has not received greater regional coverage.

For starters, it features former world champs Ricky Hatton and Johnny Nelson and Birmingham rap star Jaykae.

The event – and I think we can even use the showbiz term extravaganza – takes place on Saturday, September 16, at Telford International Centre.

It looks one not to be missed by fans. Such competitions guarantee excitement and this one has the added sparkle of sporting VIPs.

The concept is bold and untested. I’ve scrutinised it – it’s big and provides what the modern game needs to attract casual fans: a head-on-collision between the entertainment industry and the blood and bruises business. As well as the bouts, Jaykae will perform at Telford.

Those behind the venture have described it as a “new breed of boxing”. That’s a fair description.

Four teams representing four cities – each team consisting of five boxers – will compete against each other in four rounders.

Each team is championed by a big name. Jaykae is torch-carrier and captain of Birmingham, dubbed The Tribe. Hatton is captain of Manchester, Nelson represents Leeds, TV personality and fight fan Tom Skinner is flying London’s flag.

Saturday at Telford sees the semi-final clash between Birmingham and London, with 10 bouts on the bill. A date for the final is yet to be set.

Local fans will be very familiar with names in the Birmingham line-up.

At light-heavy, there’s big-punching, free-swinging Jackson Osagie, whose three fights (one loss) have all been thrillers. McCracken gym’s aggressive Kay Jiminez, from Syria, is unbeaten in three and competing at light-middle. The junior-light (super-feather) berth is taken by Sam “Big Ego” Pikire (3-1), one of the game’s larger-than-life character. Completing “The Tribe” is super-bantam debutant Tanya Ledger.

Those names suggest explosive action will be witnessed.

Samuel Pikire…one of the boxers representing Birmingham

Pikire, as ever, oozed confidence and excitement when I caught up with him. “The competition’s a very good idea,” he said. “It gives us boxers a chance to really make a name for ourselves. It can really showcase our skills.

“I’m going to go in there and do my thing. I’m like fine wine, I’m getting better each time. I’ve never really stopped training since my last fight, I’ve had a very good camp and the weigh-in is the day before.”

“Box Off” has certainly been welcomed by the boxers. Another fighter told me: “It’s a guaranteed purse and above the norm. Fighters haven’t got the pressure to sell tickets.”

That is a brave move – and one that carries considerable risk. Make no mistake, necks have been stuck out for this.

Remember, “Box Off” does not have the safety net of major TV money.

Razi Hassan…driving force behind the Box Off concept

Driving force behind the concept is Razi Hassan, a man with a burning passion for boxing. The 40-year-old, who has a background in the communications industry, had a dream…and the result is Saturday night.

I’m always a little nervous when chronicling the stories of fight fans who attempt to turn their dreams into reality. The cold-sweat of nightmares can follow.

But I was impressed with Razi, I was impressed by his intellect, enthusiasm, knowledge of our sport and desire to give boxers the best deal.

In interview, he was also honest. Razi freely admits he doesn’t know how “Box Off” will be received. It is a trip into the unknown.

“We are 100 per cent committed to the concept, we are confident going forward,” Razi told me, “but we know it has to be looked at through a commercial and economic lens.”

That is the bottom-line. In boxing, blood may have the last word, but money talks louder.

“It’s a massive gamble,” he admitted, “and we’re aware there will be an element of scepticism about what we’re doing. We are excited about what we’re doing and, within the game, the general consensus is excitement about what we’re doing.

“We said from the start that we wanted to be different, we wanted to standout.

“On Saturday everyone who turns up is going to be in for a real treat.”

Razi stressed the four star captains are much more than mere figure-heads, installed to crank-up publicity.

“Ricky Hatton is a passionate Manchester City fan, but, more broadly, a passionate Mancunian. Johnny Nelson is a proud Yorkshireman.”

And I know, from experience, the work done – and commitments made – by Jaykae to promote pro boxing in Birmingham.

I hope it succeeds, it looks a gilt edged event.

I plan to be there for the fights and also to see what this “new breed of boxing” entails. Yes, there’s curiosity involved.

And, if the blueprint blossoms, those present may witness the beginning of a boxing revolution.

To purchase tickets, visit https://theboxoff.ticketco.events/uk/en/e/the_box_off_semifinals/press