Frank Maloney returns to the capital city in a big way when the South London based promoter puts on a thrilling fight card at historic York Hall in Bethnal Green, headlined by Ian Napa's exciting challenge of European bantamweight champion Carmelo Ballone on Friday, October 17, 2008.
The UK's most skillful boxer, Napa, 17-6 (1), won the British title last year and his three scintillating defenses of the domestic crown have led the 5'1 dynamo to a second crack at the European trophy but in order to claim Continental glory, the flashy 30 year old must surmount a difficult opponent.
After cleaning out the bantamweight division in his native Belgium, 32 year old Ballone, 21-2 (10), proved his pugilistic acumen on a wider playing field by capturing the European Union belt against Spanish bomb thrower Ivan Pozo in 2003, which led to a close and controversial split decision loss to European kingpin Simone Maludrottu in the champion's home country of Italy two years later.
Ballone got another opportunity at European honors and made the best of it by stopping Romanian spoiler Eugen Sorin Tanasie in 2007 to claim the vacant title. In May, Ballone crushed the challenge of Valery Yanchy, extinguishing the Belarus titlist in the tenth round.
Can Ballone enter the lion's den of York Hall and emerge still in possession of the European bantamweight title? Ian Napa and a packed house of rabid supporters say not and have thrown forth the challenge to the hard as nails Belgian in what could turn out to be the fight of the year in England.
Maloney has stacked the undercard with typically competitive matchmaking and chief support on October 17 will be provided by the do or die battle of former British and Commonwealth lightweight champion Graham Earl, 25-3 (12), against ruthlessly efficient contender Henry Castle, 18-4 (10), who has stopped five of his last seven victims and has vowed to end the career of Earl as part of his quest to rule over the United Kingdom's lightweight scene.
One of the top light welterweights on the planet, Commonwealth champion Ajose Olusegun, 24-0 (12), will also feature on the card as the Londoner stays busy in hopes of turning his #3 WBC position into a world title shot.
Red-hot undefeated featherweight prospect Akaash Bhatia, 12-0 (3), makes an appearance on the bill as does bruising welterweight Mark Thompson, 16-1 (10), and outstanding light middle hopeful Sam Webb, 11-1-1 (3), will meet former Commonwealth welter title challenger Gilbert Eastman, 20-6 (13).
A handful of Maloney's top prospects round out the lineup as lightweight Liam Shinkwin, 1-0 (0), joins heavyweights Tom Dallas, 1-0 (0), and Larry "War Machine" Olubamiwo, who makes his professional debut.
For further information or press credential requests contact the NEW address of ftm.press@gmail.com
Tickets to "Dapa Napa", Ian Napa vs. Carmelo Ballone for the Bantamweight Championship of Europe at York Hall, London, England on Friday, October 17, 2008 are priced at £75 and £35 and are available by logging onto www.frankmaloney.com or by calling the Box Office at 0871 226 1508.
Sky Sports will televise the action live on SS1 starting at 9:30pm.
HEAVYWEIGHT hitters Tom Dallas and Larry 'The War Machine' Olubamiwo are on a collision course.
FTM'S man mountains face selected opposition when they box four-rounders against selected opponents at York Hall, Bethnal Green on Friday October 17.
Clapton's Olubamiwo will be making his professional debut after a successful career at the world famous Repton ABC.
James Cook MBE will train the prospect who reached the final of the ABA novice senior championship last season.
Dallas, a former ABA super-heavyweight champion got his professional career off to a winning start earlier this month outpointing Slovakian Vlado Szabo.
Maloney was delighted with the Chatham man's performance and believes there could be a battle against 'The War Machine' in about two years time.
"Dallas showed a lot of promise in his first fight and could be the surprise package to emerge in the heavyweight division.
"Larry looks just as exciting. He wants to fight and isn't afraid who he is thrown in against."
"Someone asked me if I would match them now, which is crazy. Down the line an explosive battle between them is on the cards," warned Frank.
Ian Napa tops the bill dubbed 'Dapa Napa' challenging defending champion Carmelo Ballone for the European bantamweight title. Former British and Commonwealth lightweight champion Graham Earl also returns. Tickets are available from www.frankmaloney.com or 0871 226 1508
Following a number of set backs Carl Froch will finally fight for "the best belt in the world" when he takes on Canada's Jean Pascal for the WBC Super middlweight title on Saturday 6th December.
Speaking on Setanta Sports News during Steve Bunce's Boxing Hour Froch expressed his relief at having found a credible opponent.
"It's what I've been waiting for for the past 18 months, since I became mandatory to Joe Calzaghe's belt. It's been difficult, sitting back, waiting in the wings for something to happen.
"To finally be matched up with a top, credible fighter like Jean Pascal is great. Great for the fight fans and great for myself.
"It's been frustrating but we're through that now."
Froch knows that Pascal poses a serious threat and compared the 25 year-old's style to that of American legend Roy Jones Junior.
"The way he throws his punches and is very elusive is similar. I've seen him do some good stuff. He's unbeaten, he's young and hungry and he's going to want to have a swing up.
"We're taking him very seriously and anybody who turns out for a WBC title fight is going to be super fit."
