Championship Boxing At York Hall, London on April 27th

Championship Boxing At York Hall, London on April 27th Thunderdrome Promotions head honcho Dave Murphy brings his crew to the Capital’s home of boxing, The York Hall in Bethnal Green, on April 27th. Heading up the Belfast man’s first show outside Northern Ireland is one of his compatriots, Dean ‘Irish Lightning’ Byrne, who will be competing for the International Masters Welterweight title, against Newport, Isle of Wight’s Jay Morris. On his last outing, back in December, Byrne gained a hard fought draw, against current USBA Welterweight Champion, Oklahoma City’s Carson Jones, which in turn set Byrne up nicely for his first tilt at an International title. In keeping with the international theme of the event, main support for Byrne’s title fight sees Lithuanian knockout artist Virgilijus Stapulionis returning to the UK to once again thrill the fans. Don’t blink though, as in his previous two visits to the Capital the big punching Middleweight dispatched his opponents in the first round. Peckham’s Diego Burton makes a welcome return to York Hall, where he has previously won twice and scored a credible draw on his debut. TRAD TKO’s very own Marianne Marston makes her long awaited debut, against Latvia’s Aleksandra Jasjukevica. Marston, the protégé of legendary Heavyweight Champion of the World Smokin’ Joe Frazier and two time Cruiserweight Champion of the World Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham, is a big punching Southpaw that learned her craft in the fighting City of Philadelphia, USA, nuff said! Bermondsey based Nigerian battler Ideh Ockuko will be looking to get back to winning ways. Ockuko’s last fight, against unbeaten prospect Adam Dingsdale, was a fantastic barnstormer that could have gone either way, in the end though the decision went to Dingsdale by a very close 38-39 points margin. Chris Rackley will be making his third professional outing. The 21 year old Welterweight from Slough in Berkshire will be keen to impress when he returns to York Hall, the scene of his hard fought draw against the highly experienced Liam Griffiths back in February. Another youngster, 22 year old Scrappa Smith from West Drayton, makes his first visit to York Hall and will also be looking to build on his two great wins to date. Local boy, Francis Maina from Limehouse, will be looking to get back to winning ways, having lost his last three outings – all away from home fights and against unbeaten prospects. Last but not least Wokingham’s Mark Douglas makes his long awaited return to the ring, following a long, forced, sabbatical after he dislocated his shoulder whilst battling with Lee Purdy for the Southern Area strap back in 2009. Tickets, priced £65 (Ringside), £35 (Floor) and £30 (Balcony) are available on-line at www.tkoboxoffice.com or in person at the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym in Canning Town, London E16 4SA - www.tkoboxinggym.com - or the Ringtone Gym in Euston, London NW1 2PB - www.ringtonehealthandfitness.com - Tel: 07960 850645 or 07557 641597 for further information.