Our Association has worked alongside the BBB of C for 13 years. Generally speaking this has been a good working relationship and we see no reason for this to change if we all genuinely share a passion for the betterment of British Boxing. However, over the last few years certain actions taken by the Board have alienated license holders and we have no effective vote on these decisions. The only people who can vote andhave a say in how the Board is run are the Area Council Officers. However, these Officers are not voted in by the licence holders but are appointed by the Board and the Board itself appoints its own directors. Therefore, there is no-one who can vote on any issues at all who has any duty to represent the licence holders and we feel we have no voice.

Whilst we raised these concerns with you, nothing happened and you refused to even discuss them. This culminated last year with a protest by license holders at the Company’s AGM. As a result of which the AGM was suspended with the Board agreeing to meet with a delegation of license holders to discuss the way forward. The delegation (democratically elected) met with you in Birmingham. We were told that you would listen to what we had to say but would make no changes; there was little point in us meeting.

Since our meeting in Birmingham, there have been further matters which caused us concern. Firstly Jane Couch’s licenses were taken away from her in what seemed to us to be a personal dispute with her and the Chairman rather than a matter which should have concerned the Board. This dispute exposed worrying concerns about Mr Giles before the Board stepped down having spent time and money fighting the dispute. Secondly, a complaint was made by Mr Frank Warren over the lack of BBB of C support of Dereck Chisora when he fought in Germany.

He alleged that had the Chairman been more pro-active then the issues in Germany (including checking the security arrangements) could have been avoided. I was not present in Germany and so do not know what happened, but whoever was responsible, it does show that the Board and the Chairman have lost the support of various licensees. I speculate, but this could be because the Chairman has other loyalties which could cause licence holders to question his full support. He is the Vice Chairman of the EBU and holds a prominent position with the WBC.

After our meeting in Birmingham, the members of our Association together with other licence holders entered into discussions with the Federation Luxembourgeoise de Boxe. The Federation has been in existence in its present form since inception in 1922. It is affiliated to the EBU, WBA, WBO, IBF and WBC and it therefore is recognised by the BBBofC. Indeed the BBBofC have authorised boxers to fight in tournaments regulated by the Federation on many occasions in the past. It could not do otherwise without being in breach of its own Rules. Less than a month ago the Federation regulated and staged a show in Germany with the full support of the German Federation who permitted its own licence holders to take part.

We were attracted to the Luxembourg Federation because its safety record is second to none and it has personal injury insurance in place and strict procedures for protecting the safety of boxers. However,coupled with that, it is run by its members for its members. Managers, promoters and trainers are allowed to vote at the Company’s AGM and therefore have a real say as to how boxing is run. Whilst the Federation regulates the safety of boxing, it confines this to licensing, ringside supervision and the protection of the boxers in the ring, allowing the members freedom in other areas. Therefore we entered into an agreement so that the Association is now the Federation’s representative in the UK and has been since March 12th 2012. I informed you of this and I informed you of the insurance and safety provisions when we met. This makes press release all the more surprising as I had been completely open with you as to what we were doing, the reasons why and the protection which would be afforded to the boxers under the Federation.

Moving onto the licensing of Haye v Chisora. Neither boxer is on the banned / suspension list. Chisora was sanctioned by your own body and having heard the evidence you decided to withdraw his licence rather than ban him. It is worth noting that this was under enormous pressure and scrutiny of the press. We are surprised that you question whether these boxers should be licensed as they are both fit and well to fight, neither have a criminal conviction and neither have been banned by yours or any other sanctioning body. This is especially so when there has been not a squeak out of the Board over Mayweather, Tyson, Scott Welch, Danny Williams and currently Scott Dixon to name but a few.

From the perspective of our Association, I am concerned about your attempt to intimidate your own members into not taking part. You do this in two ways. First, you claim that you will de-licence any member who takes part in the fight. This is unlawful and a breach of your own Rules. Secondly you seek to limit the insurance for boxers who are licensed by the BBBofC and would ordinarily have the benefit of insurance even if they fight under a different sanctioning body. This, in particular, is an extraordinary move for the BBBofC to seek to limit its own boxers’

insurance when they have paid license fees and taxes for the benefit of this insurance. I seek from you the confirmation of your insurers of their position – presumably you got this before issuing the press release and so can send it to me by return.

On behalf of our Association and the Federation, we require from you agreement that you will not seek to interfere with the fight and show. If this is not forthcoming by close of business on Friday 18th May 2012 then the following will happen:

1) The membership of the Professional Boxing Promoters Association will move for a vote of no-confidence in the Board; and

2) The Federation of Luxembourg will consult its lawyers to start proceedings for restraint of trade that is if these proceedings have not by then been brought by another individual or company in the meantime.

I look forward to hearing from you and if you wish to meet and discuss matters, do let me know.

Yours sincerely

Bruce Baker

Chairman

Professional Boxing Promoters Association Representatives Federation Luxembourgeoise de Boxe

Back in January Stoke Newington’s Erick ‘The Eagle’ Ochieng won the English Light Middleweight title in emphatic style, on just his tenth professional outing, in a sensational all action battle against Liverpool’s Nick Quigley, that many have as an early contender for 2012 ‘Fight of the Year’ honours

In just under two weeks time 25 year old Erick will make the first defense of  this recently acquired  title, against Newark’s AA Lowe, on the undercard of the biggest, most meaningful UK event of the year so far, when Carl Froch challenges Lucian Bute  for the IBF Super Middleweight Crown, at the Nottingham Arena.

Following a recent training session, at the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym in Canning Town, an ebullient Erick was not only brimming with confidence, of victory on the 26th May, but was also keen to emphasize his Championship credentials.

“Yeah, I’ll be out again on the 26th May defending my English title against AA Lowe.

He’s a good boxer, he’s been around, so we’re looking to perform good, look good and retain my title in style.”

“Training has been excellent as ever, my manager/coach Brian Lawrence wouldn’t have it any other way and again I’ve had the best sparring you can get.

The quality of sparring here at the TRAD TKO makes all the difference, I did some eight rounders with Colin Lynes the other week and have had plenty of other quality sparring, these sparring sessions are great preparation.”

“I mean Colin Lynes is a former British, European and World Champion, you can’t get better than that, you’re always learning from those guys.

As you can see we’re not leaving any stone unturned in the gym, I’m in good shape so I’m looking to put a good performance on the 26th May.”

“I never look past people or my next fight, but have to say this is just the start, I’ve always said I am already a World Champion, just people don’t know it yet, they will soon but right now they know I’m the English Champion.

I will defend my title successfully on the 26th May and then by the end of the year my focus will be on the British or Commonwealth title.”

Erick ‘The Eagle’ Ochieng’s English Light Middleweight title defense, against AA Lowe, will be main support at the Matchroom Sport promoted event headlined by the IBF Super Middleweight World Championship bout between Montreal, Canada based Romanian Lucian Bute and Nottingham’s Carl Froch, which  co-features Carl Frampton versus Raul Hirales, for the IBF Inter-Continental Super Bantamweight title, at the Nottingham Arena in Nottingham on Saturday 26th May 2012 and will be shown live and exclusive on Sky Sports.

Tickets, priced £40, or  £50 including coach from London to Nottingham and return, are available on line at www.tkoboxoffice.com or direct from Erick at the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym, Gillian House, Stephenson Street, Canning Town, London E16 4SA

More exciting news from the Qualifiers.

75kg: Savannah Marshall v Claressa Shields (USA) – last 32

Savannah wins 14-8

What a performance from the Hartlepool boxer to eliminate the new hot property from the USA. Savannah boxed to order from the off, keeping the American at range and picking her off as she attempted in vain to unleash her fast hands.

Inexplicably going into the second round at just 2-2, Marshall, the silent assassin, started to build her lead going in 7-4 and 11-4 up at the end of the second and third rounds respectively.

The American threw everything at Savannah in the last but it was to no avail as the GB 75kg boxer moves into the last 16 of the competition. Great performance .

Next exciting encounter tomorrow.

The latest update to come from the qualifiers is that Natasha Jonas has won a place in the last 16.

60kg: Natasha Jonas v Sandra Brugger (Switzerland)

Natasha wins 23-11

Natasha moved into an early 6-2 lead scoring with a couple of straights, with her opponent nicking a point at the end of the round.

The second saw the Rotunda southpaw extend the lead further with a series of clean hits and a couple of heavy blows in the third left her Swiss opponent lagging behind going into the last and Jonas ran out a comfortable winner with a place in the last 16.
Also Lisa Whiteside delivered a terrific performance at the non-Olympic 57kg weight category, winning by a score of 19-6 against Toshikawa of Japan. Lisa into the last eight

60kg: Natasha Jonas v Rebecca Price (Wales) – last 64

Natasha Jonas wins 18-8.

Jonas eased into a 4-1 lead at the end of the first round against the Welsh boxer. The Rotunda boxer scored with shots to both body and head to extend the lead to 8-3 going into the third.

Price upped her work rate in the third, but with Jonas adding an extra point, there was no way back in with the Liverpudlian running out a comfortable 18-8 winner.

First hurdle overcome for Jonas, who goes into the last 32. And a mention for Rebecca Price who gave Jonas a strong test in her first bout of the tournament.

51kg: Nicola Adams v Yana Levankova (Belarus) – last 32

Nicola wins 19-7

In a cagey opening round, Adams edged into a 3-2 lead, but the Leeds boxer moved into gear in the second picking her opponent off with a nice backhand right, and jabbing her way to a 7-3 lead.

There was no way back for the Belarussian, who was knocked to the canvas in the third, and Adams finished the last two rounds with a flourish, boxing her way to a stylish 19-7 win.

The event will take place at the Mercure St Paul’s Hotel Sheffield on Friday 25th May.

The awards that the public can post nominations for are the ‘Coach of the Year’ and ‘Community Project of the Year Award.’

When posting nominations for Coach of the Year we would like to know what they have done that stands out to you and why you think they deserve the award.

For the Community Project of the Year Award we would like to know which project you feel has had most impact within your community and why.

Click here to download a nomination form

Please email all applications to debbie.reilly@abae.org.uk

The closing date for nominations is 5pm on Tuesday 15 May, any nominations received after this date will not be counted.

Lisa Whiteside will also box for England at the event, however as she is boxing at a non-Olympic weight she won’t be competing for a place at London 2012.

The draw for England’s boxers at the Women’s World Championships is as follows:

51kg: Nicola Adam v Kristy Harris (Australia) or Yana Levankova (Bulgaria) – last 32

60kg: Natasha Jonas v Rebecca Price (Wales) – last 64

75kg: Savannah Marshall v Pooja Rani (India) or Claressa Shields (USA) – last 32

Also boxing in non-Olympic weight categories are:

57kg: Lisa Whiteside (England) v Rebah Matanda (Kenya) or Nana Yoshikawa (Japan) – last 16.

Natasha will box tomorrow, Nicola on the 13th, and Lisa and Savannah on the 14^th.

Our boxers need to be in the top 3 European finishers to qualify for the Olympic Games.

AASE boxing is graduating it’s first group of boxers this year, some of who have progressed in to international boxers, some on to university and some on to sport related jobs such as gym instructors.

Graduates achieved a ‘Level 3 BTEC diploma in sport’ and a ‘level 3 NVQ in Excellence in Sporting Performance’. Each of these qualifications are essential qualifications for those looking to progress in the sport and leisure industry.

As an ABAE supported and endorsed scheme, AASE is the perfect choice for those boxers looking to excel in their sport and gain vital qualifications, creating a long lasting sporting legacy.

If you would like to become an AASE boxing student at any of our High Performance Centers around the country, then contact us on aase@filton.ac.uk<mailto:aase@filton.ac.uk.

To view the short documentary click on this link

Miranda Carter’s Left Jab Promotions

Presents

ROLLING THUNDER

20th May 2012 @ York Hall, London

For Immediate Release:

London – Monday, 14th May 2012

TRAD TKO Fighters Head Up May 20th London Mega Show

Over the past few years Miranda Carter has been quietly pioneering a series of Sunday afternoon events at York Hall in Bethnal Green. In the past these events have featured maybe six or seven bouts, however her latest offering, which takes place this coming Sunday, is far from low key affair, instead entering the mega event zone with a fourteen bout card.

The event, titled ‘Rolling Thunder’, heavily features fighters from Johnny Eames’ famous Canning Town fight factory – the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym.

Originally the event was to feature just three of the East London trained stars but after Butch Lesley had to withdraw from the original headlining British Masters title bout with Menay Edwards, this was increased to five, including the new headlining bout, a rematch between Hackbridge, Surrey’s Danny Connor and Ely, Cambridgshire’s Tyler Goodjohn, this time for the British Masters Welterweight title.

Last time these two met, back in March last year, Goodjohn came out on top, however things may be a little different this time around, as Connor has really turned his career around, racking up five top class wins out of six outing. Goodjohn on the other hand has had just two wins out of three, and the loss was a brutal knockout dished out by the forceful hands of Vinny Woolford in November last year.

Heading up the support is Connor’s TRAD TKO gym mate, former British Cruiserweight Champion Leon ‘Solid’ Williams, who will be making his first appearance since the shock loss of his coveted Lonsdale belt back in January.

Surprisingly Williams isn’t looking for an easy fight, to ease himself back, oh no the man nicknamed ‘Solid’ is so determined to get back on the Championship trail that he has elected to face Lithuania’s #1 ranked Remigijus Ziausys.

Also on the support card is rising Cruiserweight star Menay Edwards, who will be making his first outing under the TRAD TKO banner. Edwards, whose record stands at 7-1, will be looking to impress, against unbeaten Lawrence Bennett, in order to earn the right for a tilt at the Southern Area title later this year.

Making his debut at the event is yet another TRAD TKO newbie, Eric ‘Congo Warrior’ Mokonzo, who will be receiving a baptism of fire at the hands of Hayes hardman Darren McKenna.

Former World amateur #2 female boxer Areti Mastrodouka is the fifth of the TRAD TKO squad that will take part in the ‘Rolling Thunder’ event. In her debut, at Miranda Carter’s March 2012 event, Mastrodouka put on a stylish display to beat Kristine Shergold by a 60-55 points margin.

On the 20th May, 36 year old Mastrodouka is set to face a much younger opponent in 20 year old Latvian #1 ranked featherweight Julija Cvetkova.

Of the non-TRAD TKO contingent, the pick of the bunch sees Epsom, Surrey’s unbeaten Middleweight J.M. Coyle face a stern test, as he takes on Wickford, Essex hardman Danny Brown. Coyle may have the unbeaten record but Brown will be no walk over especially as he’ll be looking to extend his excellent run of a win and a draw against previously unbeaten opponents so far in 2012.

Another potential cracker sees two unbeaten fighters, Light Welterweights Luke Fowler and John Brennan, battle it out.

Also on the card are unbeaten foursome, Upminster Lightweight Ryan Taylor, Stratford Super Middleweight Scott Hartley, Luton Light Welterweight Danny Mulhern and Kensington Middleweight Daley Ojuederie, who will be joined by debutantes, Bexleyheath Lightweight Jack Dishart, Middleweight Alex McKay and Tilbury Welterweight Matt McCarthy – who are all against yet to be named opponents.

Tickets for Rolling Thunder, featuring the TRAD TKO five, Danny Connor, Leon Williams, Menay Edwards, Eric Mokonzo or Areti Mastrodouka, at York Hall, Bethnal Green in London on Sunday 20th May 2012 are priced £35, £45 and £65 are available on line at www.tkoboxoffice.com or in person at the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym, Gillian House, Stephenson Street, Canning Town, London E16 4SA

Szebeledi, who won the WBF World title by going to Germany to defeat hometown favorite Pia Mazelanik in Lemgo last July, took on former foe Eva Marcu of Romania in Budapest, and once again the two women, both only twenty years old, gave each other a good scrap before the champion pulled home the victory.

The end came at 0:30 into round number eight when Szebeledi, at this point clearly on top of things, caught Marcu with some stinging blows, forcing the referee to intervene as the game Marcu seemed unable to defend herself. Having won ten of her last eleven bouts, Szebeledi improved her professional record to 16-9 (9), and Marcu fell to 7-4 (2).

On the same card, promoted by Feja Promotion, youngster Attila Baran (19) made short work of fellow countryman Janos Olah in their fight for the Intercontinental Super Middleweight strap. After a one-sided first round where Baran dominated his foe, the end came mercifully in the second of the scheduled twelve.

Baran put on an impressive performance, knocking down Olaf two times before referee Janos Baranyi had seen enough and waved off the onslaught at 2:55. In time, Baran, who is now 10-2 (5), could be an interesting name to follow, while the best days of 30-year-old Olah, 10-9-1 (3), are probably in his past.

On the previous night in Goeppingen, Germany, talented Swede Klara Svensson won her first professional title when she thoroughly dominated game but outclassed Hungarian Zsofia Bedo on a card put on by EC Boxpromotion for the vacant Women’s Intercontinental Light Welterweight title.

Svensson, now 5-0 (1) and managed by former European Champion Oktay Urkal, chased Bedo, 5-25-1 (1), for most of the ten rounder, and only guts and a big heart saved the Hungarian girl from going down or even being stopped.

It was a flawless performance by the Malmo-boxer, who, if anything, lacks

a bit of power in her punches.   In the end German judges Arno Pokrandt,

Frank Michael Mass and Holger Wiemann all scored it the same: 100-90.

Klara Svensson is undoubtedly one of the female stars of the future.

After staying up late until SHOWTIME! what a fight it was.

Mayweather v Cotto.

Cotto has the heart of a lion, constantly moving forward and showing heavy attach upon Mayweather. However Mayweather was what we call very sly (Slick) fighter.

Don’t get me wrong but it worked for Mayweather. Mayweather just continued using his right hook and also short burst of combo’s. Using range perfectly and his defence! my god i truly rate Mayweather.

Bouncing incoming punches off his shoulder! unbelievable talent and also using the Ali special of going back onto the ropes! Mayweather no wonder your undefeated.

Cotto continued to move forward and trap Mayweather onto the ropes, big mistake! Cotto was throwing every punch at Mayweather without any success.

After the 6th round, Mayweather just picked off Cotto and won by points unanimously.

On the other hand we have UK’s Lovable boxer Amir “King” Khan. Adored by millions (soon to change after wedding), Khan is a top contender against Mayweather.

Although khan lost his belts to Lamont Peterson, a rematch is scheduled this month, however the sun paper reported that there might not be a rematch! What is the WBA and IBF doing about this. First its on then its off then on etc… Lets just get the fight on!

After watching Mayweather, i believe that Khan does have a chance against Mayweather. Mayweather loves tiring out his opponents and then starts the 1 – 2 going and landing the big shots.

Khan too has the ability of landing big shots as Khan is excellent at using his feet (Lamont fight – moving too much), he can move and can produce the combo’s in quick sessions.

If Khan was to fight Mayweather, then it would boil down to heart and determination and who wants it the most. Mayweather has experience but so has Khan.

We say this would be a 50 / 50 fight. Other people may disagree, but this is our opinion!

We also like to say good luck to both Amir Khan and Lamont Peterson on their oncoming fight. If it takes place!

There were golds for Anthony Fowler, Joe Joyce and Jack Bateson who, as the only entrant  in the under 19 age group, achieved his win in the senior category.

Robbie McKechnie won a silver medal in his first tournament for GB, and there was also silver for Joe Ham.
GB boxers Zack Davies and Sen McGoldrick, boxing as part of the Welsh ABA team, also won gold medals. Full results are below.

Semi finals

60kg Robbie McKechnie (GB – Scotland) v Ilja Andrejev (Estonia) 14:2

Taking the centre of the ring in round one, Robbie used fast hands and a variety of shots to open up a 1:0 lead going into the second. As Andrejev tried to pin him to the ropes, fast combinations helped the Scottish boxer dodge his way out, increasing his lead to 6:1 going into the final round. Using his fast jab down the middle, Robbie stuck to his boxing and increased his lead further, winning the bout 14:2.

56kg Sean McGoldrick (Wales) v Ruslanas Jefremovas (Lithuania) 17:3

Sean controlled the bout from the start, opening up a 10:2 lead going into round two. Using sharp back hands down the middle, he increased his lead to 14:3 going into the final round, where  Jefremovas’ punch rate was high but Sean kept a good guard and went on to win the bout.

56kg Joe Ham (GB – Scotland) v Aleksandr Bykadorov (Russia) 7:6

A high tempo start from both sides, the bout was level pegging at 1:1 going into round two. Joe scored with some good shots, but still Jefremovas entered the final round a point ahead. Both sides looked to trigger and counter, but Joe kept his work rate up, scoring with a punch at the very end of the round and winning the bout 7:6.

60kg Zack Davies (Wales) v Stanislav Perfilov (Estonia) RSC

Zack had a great start with a high work rate from the first bell, allowing him to unload an eight-count blow within the first minute. Mid-way through this round Zack unleashed another eight-count blow, forcing the referee to stop the bout.

69kg Anthony Fowler (GB – England) v Marius Palionis (Lithuania) 14:4

Anthony took control of the centre of the ring from the first bell, landing some good shots with his jab and taking an early 3:1 lead. He looked strong and composed in the ring, and the Lithuanian was forced to go in for the clinch, but the GB boxer wouldn’t allow him to hold, his fitness and sharp shots allowing him to increase his lead by five points going into the final round. Boxing well behind his jab, Anthony increased his lead and went on to win the bout 14:4.

91kg+ Joseph Joyce (GB – England) v Roman Raevski (Estonia) RSC

In an unusually fast moving bout for super heavyweights, Joe unleashed an eight-count shot within the opening minute, leaving his Estonian opponent wary of going in for more. Throwing shots straight down the middle, the GB boxer caused a second eight-count, and the referee decided to end the bout in favour of Joyce.

Finals

60kg Robbie McKechnie (GB – Scotland) v Henrik Enroth (Finland) 12:11

Dipping under his tall opponent’s long reach and using fast counters, McKechnie, representing GB for the first time, finished the round level with Enroth at 2:2. In round two Robbie took control with some fast combinations, but his Finnish opponent used his long range to his advantage, taking a 5:4 lead. In the final round Robbie scored some excellent shots through the middle, but his opponent levelled the scores each time, eventually winning the bout.

49kg Jack Bateson (GB – England) v Ashley Williams (Wales) 9:4

A cagey opening round saw Jack using good in-and-out movement and fast hands to take an early 3:1 lead. The Leeds-based boxer used his height and reach in the second round to keep the boxing at long range, and as Williams took the centre of the ring Jack moved around him to increase his lead to 6:2 lead going into the final round. Some good shots from Jack Bateson saw him win the bout 9:4.

56kg Joe Ham (GB – Scotland) v Sean McGoldrick (Wales) 6:2

As Joe attempted to trigger Sean, the Welsh boxer kept his guard tight, scoring once against his Scottish GB team mate. Round two saw much of the same, Joe only able to score a single shot through Sean’s tight guard.

Switching his target between head and body, Sean scored two good body shots to take a 3:1 lead. The tempo raised in the final round, with Joe moving well, but having lost three out of three bouts to Sean already, the Welshman was desperate for the win today, and did so with six points to Joe’s two.

60kg Zack Davies (Wales) v Martin Kvikstad (Norway) 14:4

Zack held the centre of the ring in the first round and avoided his opponent’s wide swinging shots to take an early 5:0 lead. With his opponent staying on the ropes to be hit, Zack was able to increase his lead and entered the final round with eleven points to the Norwegian’s three. Eight points down, Martin tried to pull it back, but was unable to do so and Zack took the victory.

69kg Anthony Fowler (GB – England) v Dmitri Kormilin (Estonia) 19:4

Anthony took the centre of the ring in the opening round and used jabs and back-hands to open up a 4:0 lead going into the second. Anthony’s strong shots through the Estonian’s open guard allowed him to increase his lead to 11:2 going into the final round. In the final round Kormilin threw wide swinging shots which Anthony countered, remaining composed and boxing his way to a deserved victory.

91kg+ Joe Joyce (GB – England) v Kaspar Vaha (Estonia) 12:7

A fast paced first round saw the Estonian catch Joe with a strong left hook, and the Englishman impress the crowd by staying on his feet; avoiding an eight-count and finishing the round with a 3:2 point advantage. The second round began with both boxers firing at the same time, but as Vaha tired, Joe’s punch rate soared, allowing him to increase his advantage to 9:4 going into the final round. Vaha aimed to finish with some big shots but tired quickly and a confident Joyce took a further three points to win the bout 12:7.