OLYMPIC bronze medallist Tony Jeffries will bid to stretch his unbeaten professional record to five when he boxes at Newport Centre on Friday December 11.
Jeffries, 24, thought he would be out of action until next year after perforating an eardrum in sparring.
But the medical staff at his beloved Sunderland FC and the club's physio Pete Friar quickly cured the problem.
'The Mighty Mackem' said: "The injury came when Ovill McKenzie was sparring with me. It meant I couldn't spar for two weeks, but I could still road work and train.
"The injury got worse, but once I went to see Pete the problem cleared up in about ten days.
"I have had a few injuries during the years, but Pete must be the best person I have worked with."
"Has not Pete worked his magic it would have meant training over Christmas for a January date, but now I can enjoy it.
"I am even going Christmas shopping in New York after my fight so I better get Pete a nice present."
Top of the bill in Newport is the double title fight between Bristol's British super-flyweight champion Lee Haskins (19-2) and Birmingham's Commonwealth king Don Broadhurst (11-0).
Also in action is Jeffries fellow Beijing bronze medallist, 6ft 8in heavyweight David Price (3-0) and another heavy hope Tom Dallas (7-0)
Tickets are available £30 and £70 from 0871 226 1508 and www.frankmaloney.com. Fans of Jeffries can get tickets and coach transport by calling Phil Jeffries on 07747 611020
HILL IS GOING TO THE TOP
FRANK MALONEY believes he has discovered another middleweight sensation in Tony Hill.
The Southampton prospect is unbeaten in two contests, but the promoter believes he has unearthed another exciting talent.
Hill, 23, stopped Stuart Barr on his debut in September and last Friday showed his huge potential once again outpointing Matt Scriven.
Hill joins a stable bursting at the seams with talent in the middleweight divisions that includes his former England amateur team-mate Tony Jeffries, Travis Dickinson and George Groves - who is co-promoted by Maloney.
Southpaw Hill is former Junior ABA champion and Maloney rates him as highly as James DeGale, who beat him in NABC championships six years ago.
Maloney said: "I am amazed that nobody noticed him before because he could be the hidden diamond in British boxing.
"In both of his professional fights I have been taken aback at how natural and relaxed Tony looks.
"He reminds of John Conteh and a very good fighter I boxed with at Lynn ABC Billy Knight who was top class and would have been a superstar in this era.
"In a year to 18 months I would match him against DeGale in a heartbeat. The only reason I won't do it now is because DeGale has been a pro longer."
As Hill gets more exposure, Maloney believes his latest protégé's popularity will swell. For his fight with Scriven he sold 150 tickets even though his fans had to tackle a 300 mile round trip.
Maloney added: "Tony has charm, looks and charisma. He also has a nice family who will keep his feet firmly on the ground." His next appearance is on December 11th on the undercard of Haskins v Broadhurst.
For further info and tickets 0871 226 1508