Huey given all-clear and ready to explode on mighty arena bill

Huey Malone…a lot of judges are predicting big things for the boxer

FOR former amateur sensation Huey Malone, the path to his first paid fight has been strewn with unexpected hurdles.

The wait has been longer than it should have been. His intended debut, last November, was scuppered by a medical date, then an appearance in Wolverhampton went south.

Now the former multi-titled fighter from dad Brendan’s Christ the King ABC, in Coventry, has been given the all-clear. The man dubbed “Pocket Rocket” will explode on the professional scene on Queensberry’s huge May 10 show at Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena.

He is being groomed for stardom on the big stage. The 22-year-old is being tipped for very big things by very good judges.

A lot very knowledgeable eyes will watch his start.

Huey, who trains in Manchester under Joe Gallagher, has been straining at the leash to show what he’s all about.

“You have to feel for him,” dad Brendan said. “It’s been a long time – training, training. It’s a relief to get out and get started. He hasn’t boxed since last February.”

Despite the frustrating setbacks, Huey’s determination has never faltered. Brendon said: “We all believe that if there’s a problem you get over it, around it or under it, but you solve it.”

Maloney’s career is being plotted by fight game royalty. He is managed by Matt Macklin, promoted by Frank Warren and trains at Gallagher’s star-studded gym.

The top level treatment is understandable.

As an amateur, Huey 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.

In the search for professional stardom, he has moved from his Allesley home to learn from one of the best in the business. Huey returns home every fortnight for a weekend.

It’s a sacrifice the amateur ranks prepared him for.

“Huey was boxing for England, we’d put him on a plane,” Brendan said. “When he was with (Team) GB, he’d be away for four days at a time. A boxing life is a lonely life.

“But he’s at a good place in Manchester. Joe is very nice, it’s not the kind of gym where you have a big man there. It’s old school, hard work.

“He’s got a good team. He’s got Frank Warren talking well of him, Joe Gallagher talking well, Matt Macklin talking well.”

Huey will make his debut at super-lightweight (light-welter to traditionalists like myself), then probably slim down to lightweight.

Fans can expect excitement.

“I think he’s one of the best offensive-defensive fighters,” Brendan said. “His boxing IQ is very good, the work he puts in is unreal. GB said to him, ‘you box like a pro already’. I don’t think he’s going to hang about (before fighting for titles), but you need that rub of the green.

“I’m sure when boxing fans see what he’s about, they’ll get behind him.”

May 10 may be the start of something special.