UK News: John Loveday; Stuey Hall; Sexton vs Spada

Top heavyweight prospect John Loveday says taking punches is easy - after seven years on the frontline with the British Army.
 
Birmingham-based Loveday has just signed terms with top promoter Frank Warren, and will make his professional debut shortly.
 
The 24-year-old has just finished a seven-year spell as a soldier, including a tour of Afghanistan.
 
"I was involved in some of the heaviest fighting British troops have seen since WWII," said Loveday, who signed up as a boy soldier at the age of 16.
 
"We were involved in fire-fights every day and had to deal with roadside bombs and rocket propelled grenades.
 
"One incident saw me badly injured, while the guy behind me lost his legs and an arm."
 
Loveday finished his army career as a Lance Corporal - although in Afghanistan he was an Acting Section Commander - but decided to leave because he'd seen "every situation possible" and has a young family in the UK.
 
A top amateur who attracted the attention of the England squad and won the schoolboy ABAs, Loveday began boxing again at Birmingham's Star City Gym when he returned to civvy street, and was soon spotted by pro boxer Tony Randall.
 
He was soon persuaded to join the paid ranks, and when Warren came calling, didn't take long to put pen to paper.
 
"My main aim at the moment is to win the Lonsdale belt," said Loveday.
 
"It's always been a dream of mine, and at the moment I'm not thinking much beyond that, it is definitely my number one goal.
 
"You've got some great fighters at championship level like Dereck Chisora, but I'm knocking him when I say the domestic division is wide open at the moment.
 
"I believe with my speed that I can get myself into a position to challenge for the British title.
 
"I'm walking around 17'10 at the moment and I carry it well, so I'm not going to be a big lumbering heavyweight.
 
"It's a good time to be a pro boxer in Birmingham at the moment because there is a growing scene up here.
 
"I used to box in the amateurs along with the likes of Frankie Gavin and Don Broadhurst, so it's good to see them doing so well as professionals, and hopefully we can be on some big shows together."

FRANK MALONEY has hailed the fighting spirit of British bantamweight champion Stuey Hall.

Hall (10-0-1) will capture a Lonsdale belt outright if he comes through his defence against John Donnelly (12-1) at Rainton Meadows Arena, Houghton-le-Spring on Saturday (Apr 9).

A few years ago the popular Darlington fighter was living in the lager lout heaven Ibiza, doing his training in pubs and nightclubs.

But after returning out of shape he returned to boxing in April 2008 and the work paid off last June when he claimed his domestic title by shocking Ian Napa who quit after eight rounds.

In subsequent defences he stopped Martin Power and Gary Davies and promoter Maloney said: “Stuey is what boxing is all about.

“He has proved that hard work and dedication brings rewards. He should be used as a role model for any youngster who wants to change their lifestyle.”

Although fellow Maloney promoted fighters Tony Jeffries and Glenn Foot emerging in the north-east, 31-year-old Hall is the region’s only major champion.

Maloney added: “Boxing in the north-east is thriving and Stuey is the flag-bearer and a very important person in boxing’s improvement in the area.

In the chief supporting bout Manchester’s undefeated hopeful Karl Place (12-0) has an eight rounder against George Watson (8-3-2).

The talent stacked undercard features some of Britain’s best young fighters including former Malmesbury’s ABA Champion Joe Hughes (2-0) who boxes a selected opponent and Sunderland’s former amateur star Glenn Foot (3-0). He boxes Tamao Dwyer (2-1-1).

Tickets priced £30 and £65 are available 0871 226 1508 or www.frankmaloney.com.

Ashley Sexton added to Darren Barker undercard

Unbeaten flyweight champ to fight in London on April 30

Unbeaten English flyweight champion Ashley Sexton will appear on the undercard of Darren Barker’s European Middleweight title fight against Domenico Spada at London Olympia on April 30.

The 23 year-old stretched his unblemished record to 11 fights on Saturday with a unanimous points victory over Salim Salimov at the Gerry Weber Stadium in Halle, Germany, the tenth win of his career so far.

Sexton’s opponent on the Barker show has yet to be confirmed but the Hertfordshire fighter is keen to put on a good show live on Sky Sports as he aims for another British title shot after a draw with Shinny Bayaar in his last attempt at the belt last May.

“I'm really excited to be boxing on a Matchroom show,” said Sexton. “The atmosphere at their shows is always great and with me being on the undercard to such a great fight the atmosphere is going to be electric! I used to train with Darren back in the amateurs so it'll be like old times.”

“Flash Ash” turned pro in August 2008 and won four of his first eight fights inside the distance before his first title challenge in his ninth outing. He faced Usman Ahmed for the vacant English belt in Brentwood in January 2010 and claimed his first major title with a devastating first round knockout.

Sexton followed this victory with a challenge to Bayaar’s British title but the judges couldn’t separate the pair after a bloody battle in Dagenham.

Unbeaten Londoner Barker is aiming to reclaim the vacant European strap against the tough Italian, the belt he had to vacate when injury forced him to withdraw from a defence against Matthew Macklin in September.

Tickets for Darren Barker v Domenico Spada on April 30 are available now from Matchroom Sport priced £35 unreserved, £60 ringside, £80 inner ringside and £120 VIP – to buy call Matchroom Sport on 01277 359900.