Category Archives: UK Boxing

boxing, Champions TKO Boxing Gym, UK Boxing

Praise For Counihan Ahead Of Jan 30th London Showdown With Kis

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Solihull’s Antonio Counihan has a date with destiny this coming Friday, when he faces Hungary’s David Kis, on the Shyam Batra promoted LEGENDS & PROSPECTS event at York Hall in Bethnal Green, London on the 30th January.

A good solid win this Friday is sure to set 23 year old Antonio firmly on course for a shot at either a domestic or International title later this year, even though this will be only his fifth professional bout.

Antonio’s excellent amateur pedigree is already well documented, former England captain, oodles of domestic and international accolades overflowing in his trophy cabinet etc, but it’s his impressive performances since turning pro, in October 2013, that make this youngster stand out head and shoulders above his peers in the Lightweight division.

Four outings, four victories is not that unusual for any upcoming prospect, but it’s not just these wins that makes him such a standout, it’s the way he totally outclassed and dominated each and every one of his opponents from start to finish, so much so that three of his opponents failed to go the distance, with just the one, Marcin Ficner, managing to hang on to hear the final bell, albeit losing by a shut out 40-36 points margin.

With these four excellent wins under his belt, it comes as no surprise that Antonio has been making a serious impression on a number of luminaries of the sport, including one of the most respected manager/coaches in the business, Champion TKO’s Johnny Eames, who clearly believes that young Antonio is already a genuine Championship contender, as he made clear when he spoke earlier.

“What can I say about Antonio Counihan, this kid is really special.

Like I said previously Antionio is the jewel in the crown, unfortunately he doesn’t box on a British Board of Control license, that’s one of those things, that’s the British Boxing Board of Control’s loss, not anybody else’s.

He’ll definitely, definitely will end up a Champion of some sort, that’s no doubt, we’re talking about this coming season, not the next seasons or whatever.

Top class international amateur, unbeaten in four as a pro and has looked better and better each fight.

A lot of praise goes to his father Paul and trainer Jon Pegg, who bring him fully prepared each time, he has a great following, his fans are fantastic, they come down from Birmingham each time he fights in London, which ain’t cheap and they are very, very vociferous with their support.

Looking forward to seeing him fight on the 30th, always excellent value for the money, this time will be no different, he’s a class act.”

Following the praise lavished upon him, by the esteemed Mr. Eames’, Antonio seemed a little taken aback when he spoke.

“I don’t know what to say, thank you, I can’t thank Johnny enough for what he has done for my career already, as well as what he has planned for me in the future, I’m lost for words, what can I say, thanks Johnny.”

Antonio then steered the conversation to the upcoming showdown with David Kis at York Hall on Friday as well as touched on the possibility of a title fight in Birmingham later this year.

“Yeah, off to London again this Friday, I can’t wait.

Everything’s been going really well, training’s been very good and all the fans have been buying tickets again, yeah looking forward to it, can’t wait to get in there again.

I know David’s (Kis) record, he has a half/half record, but I’ve never seen him box or anything, so don’t really know too much about him, I do my thing so don’t really need to know much about him.

Hopefully I’ll get a title fight soon, I don’t know the timing of it but yeah I’m ready when my team says I am, I did a six rounder last time out and have a six rounder this time too, so yeah definitely ready for a title fight when the team says I’m ready.

I’d love to fight for the title in Birmingham, I haven’t fought here for a while now, even my last amateur fights were internationals, for England and Great Britain, in fact I can’t remember the last time I fought in Birmingham.

I’d sell a lot of tickets if it was here, I sell a lot of tickets for London but would sell a lot more, I always get people coming up to me saying to let them know when I next fight in Birmingham, so if I fought here I would sell some big numbers, it would be a massive difference.”

Antonio Counihan versus David Kis will feature on the Shyam Batra promoted ‘LEGENDS & PROSPECTS event, headlined by George Hillyard versus Michal Vosyka WBU International Middleweight title clash, that takes place at York Hall in Bethnal Green, London, on Friday, 30th January 2015.

Sanctioning for this event will be provided courtesy of the Malta Boxing Commission (MBC) –www.maltaboxingcommission.com

Tickets, priced £30 (Standard Seated), £40 (Gallery) and £65 (Ringside) – are available direct from Paul Counihan – tel: 07976 735729 – from any of the boxers taking part in the event, on-line at www.tkoboxoffice.com or call the box office on 07960 850645

 

Boxcino, Champions TKO Boxing Gym, UK Boxing

Busy Month Ahead For TKO & Johnny Eames – New Gym, New Signings & Fights Galore

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It’s been a rather busy start to the New Year for the ever hardworking Johnny Eames and his entire TKO crew, whilst most of us took time off to enjoy the Christmas and New Year festivities, not so for Team TKO, who were busy at work, either with the rebranding and a move to new facilities for the famous TKO gym, or preparing for upcoming fights.

 

The gym, which had been based in Canning Town for the past eight years, has now relocated to Hackney and has been rebranded as the Champions TKO Boxing Gym.

 

With such a major project to undertake over the holiday season you would expect that some other elements of the multi-disciplined TKO would be put on the back burner, but no, Johnny has been as active as ever in signing new boxers, as well as burning the midnight oil getting fights for his stable of boxers, or negotiating Championship fights for the senior prospects in the squad.

 

When he finally found a spare few minutes, in between the seemingly never ending stream of phone calls, the affable Mr. Eames spoke briefly about the major changes, his exciting new signings, as well as the upcoming fights for his charges.

 

“Exciting times, it’s been hard work, but I’m sure it will all be worth it.

 

There’s still a lot of work to do with the gym, at the moment we’re only using half the floor space available, so we’re only training the pros there until we get to knock through to the other unit, then and only then when the gym’s completely finished will we start operating it full time.

 

The change of location has done us a big favour, we’ve got rid of a lot of the dead wood we had around us, now we have a really good strong team here, there’s myself, Rio (Gianluca Di Caro) and Mehmet Aba on the I suppose management side, if you can call it that as it’s the running and marketing of everything.

 

On the coaching team side, we have Brian O’Shaughnessy, Mo Hussein, Brian Lawrence, Mark Lowe, Mark Reefer, Larry Edwards, Dave Butcher, Mehmet Aba and of course myself.

 

As I’m going to concentrate mainly on boxers management and coaching, if any fighters out there are looking for management or coaching, they should give me a call.

 

Talking about management, we’ve just had two first class young former amateur stars sign with us, the first is Mickey O’Rourke, who used to box for Dale Youth, he’s a very good fighter and I really do think this kid is going to go all the way, he’ll cause a few upsets along the way.

 

The other is young Danny Arnold, he’s nineteen years of age and has won everything there is to win in the juniors and I mean everything.

 

He’s an absolute natural talent, I put him right up there with the natural abilities of our Kevin Lear.

 

Only his application is all wrong at the moment, he’s going to be a challenge but I’m looking forward to the challenge and if I can make this kid train right we’ve got a Champion for definite.

 

Fighters wise, we have seven out in quick succession, it all kicks off this week with four of the TKO boys out at York Hall on Friday, the 30th January.

 

From the gym itself, we have Onder and Siar Ozgul, they’re both good boys, Siar steps up for his first six rounder and Onder remains on a four for this fight.

 

They’re always crowd pleasing boys, always bring a good crowd to the table and I’m sure it will be a good night for the boys.

 

Also on this show is Antonio Counihan, who is probably the jewel in the crown of the TKO fighters, this kid is outstanding, he’s not trained by us here at the TKO, but he’s managed by myself and is probably the jewel in the crown as I said.

 

He’s got everything, absolutely everything, what’s more he’s got a great team around him in his dad and Jon Pegg.

 

He always brings a big crowd down with him and always puts on a great performance.

 

After this fight we’ll probably have him fight for a title, probably MBC International or similar, so let’s see how it goes, either way I’m really looking forward to it.

 

Also on this show Tasif Khan will be making his maiden outing under the TKO banner, he’s totally new to us, I haven’t seen him fight yet, he’s been out of the game for a couple of years, but he’s got a decent record and if enthusiasm wins titles then this kid’s already a Champion, because he drives me mad on the phone wanting to know everything, which is good, I like that in a fighter.

 

He’s seven and one, but as I say I’ve never seen him fight so can’t judge him on ability, but what I can comment on is if he fights as good as his enthusiasm then he’s a very good fighter and with seven good wins under his belt already am sure he is.

 

Tickets for the 30th January York Hall show are available on our Box Office, so if anyone fancies a real good night out on Friday, go to the TKO gym websitewww.tkoboxinggym.com or the TKO Box Office website www.tkoboxoffice.com

 

Next up we have Tommy Martin, who has an English title fight against Ricky Boylan coming up on the big Matchroom show at the O2.

 

It’s a tough 50/50 fight, it’s a fight I believe Tommy can win, otherwise I wouldn’t have put him in it.

 

I have a lot of respect for Ricky, as he was once a TKO fighter, you don’t expect easy fights when you’re at this level, so obviously it is going to be a tough fight, but I’m pretty sure Tommy will come through the winner.

 

Also on the 02 show on the 31st is Charlie Edwards, who will be making his highly anticipated debut.

 

Big things are expected from this kid, it’s our job at the TKO to keep this kids feet firmly on the ground and make sure he does his job right.

 

If training wins titles, then this kid is a World champion already, he just doesn’t stop training, he totally lives and loves the game.

 

He’s got a great trainer in Brian O’Shaughnessy, he’s doing a fantastic job with him and from my side it’s an honour to be part of young Charlie’s journey.

 

Next up on the 7th February, is our debutant, Mickey O’Rourke, who will be fighting on the Mickey Helliet show at the Camden Centre.

 

I’m really, really excited about signing Mickey, I’ve not been that excited about a new kid’s debut since Kevin Lear days, I really do rate this kid, I really do believe this kid is going to go a long, long way, in the boxing game and I’m certain he’s going to be a big ticket seller, he has a big family and I’m looking forward to meeting them all.

 

We’ve also got a few boys out in March, Freddie Turner, Joel McIntyre as well as some of the boys I’ve already mentioned, I won’t say too much yet as I’m sure Rio will be putting out interviews and releases on these nearer the time, but will say I’m really excited about the coming year, we’ve got some big plans, as well as big fights for our boys, and girl, this year, can’t wait.”

 

For further information on Champions TKO Boxing Gym and their stable of boxers, please see the website www.tkoboxinggym.com also please follow on Facebook and on twitter @ChampionsTKO.

 

boxing, UK Boxing

The Incredible Fighting Turks – Ozgul Brothers Return To York Hall On Jan 30th

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On Friday 30th January boxing fans in London will once again be making their way to the famous York Hall in Bethnal Green, London for the first pro boxing event in the Capital of the New Year – the Shyam Batra promoted ‘Legends and Prospects’, headlined by the Hillyard-Vosyka for the WBU International Middleweight Championship.

 

A large majority that will be making their regular pilgrimage to the shrine of the pugilistic arts in the Capital, will be doing so to support two Hackney based, Turkish born youngsters, Siar and Onder Ozgul.

 

Over the past year or so the brothers have been building quite a reputation for themselves, as two of the most exciting, all action fighters in the Capital, their fan base has been growing at an incredible rate, so much so that as soon as it is announced they will be boxing on an event, their ticket allocation is usually sold out in a matter of days.

 

So just what makes these two lads so special and such a draw for fight fans you may ask, well for a start the older of the two, Onder, was dubbed ‘Little’ Mike by the Turkish fight fans back in his homeland, as he has is likened, fight style, to a certain ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson.

 

He was a regular member of the Turkish team that competed on the ‘World Series Of Boxing’ circuit, as well as racked up a numerous national and international accolades as an amateur.

 

Younger sibling, Siar, who also has a trophy cabinet crammed to the gills with the trophies and medals from his amateur career, is a little more refined in his boxing style, but still as with Onder presents an incredible forceful style of boxing that his opponents find very hard to cope with.

 

With five top class wins already under his belt, young Siar is the first to be stepping up to six rounders, as his team begin focusing on preparing him for the rigors of Championship boxing in the near future.

 

Following a normal day at the office, at the recently rebranded Champions TKO Gym in Hackney, Onder, Siar and their well known coach, former Commonwealth Lightweight Champion Mo Hussein, took a little time to talk about their upcoming fights as well as what the future may hold for the young stars.

 

Onder was the first to speak, “I’m comfortable with my training, I’m feeling really good and I’m determined to give a very good performance.

 

I don’t know about my opponent, I know he will come to fight and that is good for the fans, I’m ready for him and that’s good for the fans.

 

I’m ready to move forward, I came to England to fight for titles, I want to fight for titles that’s why I box, in the past things have happened that stopped me progressing but now I’m ready.

 

I’m not looking to be just an area champion, I want to be British, European and more than anything to be the World Champion.

 

When I am training that’s in my mind, train like a champion, I have big targets, I will be Champion.

 

The fans call me ‘Little Mike’ and I will not let them down, just like Mike Tyson I will be the Champion of the World, it doesn’t matter who they put in front of me I will win, boxing is my life.”

 

The highly affable Siar then spoke, “I have no problems moving up to six rounds, I was ready for six rounds before.

 

Now the opportunity has come up I’m very comfortable to do six rounds, even when I boxed at Light Middleweight, now I’m Welterweight I’m more ready than ever.

 

My aims are the same as Onder, I want to be World Champion, I will fight the best I can and earn the right to fight for titles.

 

God willing I will get the chance to fight for a title this year, English or International, I don’t care I just want to fight for a title as soon as Mo (Hussein) says I’m ready.

 

I’m ready for whoever they put in front of me to fight, I’m ready, no problem.

 

I’m happy with everything Mo is doing in training, I’m really, really happy, he’s a top trainer.”

 

Finally a smiling Mo Hussein spoke briefly about his young charges. “My thoughts on the two boys is I think they are both excellent prospects, I think the sky’s the limit and they are going to go all the way to the top.

 

They’ve already proved themselves, they train hard, they fight hard and live the life, there’s nothing to stop them.

 

The transition to the new Champions TKO Gym has been easy for them, it’s a nice gym and it’s local to them, it’s a bit more traveling for me but as long as the fighters are happy, I’m happy.”

Onder Ozgul versus Karel Horejsek and Siar Ozgul versus Vladimir Fecko will feature on the Shyam Batra promoted ‘LEGENDS & PROSPECTS event, headlined by George Hillyard versus Michal Vosyka WBU International Middleweight title clash, that takes place at York Hall in Bethnal Green, London, on Friday, 30th January 2015.

Sanctioning for this event will be provided courtesy of the Malta Boxing Commission (MBC) –www.maltaboxingcommission.com

Tickets, priced £30 (Standard Seated), £40 (Gallery) and £65 (Ringside) – are available direct from Tasif – tel: 07756 311857 – from any of the boxers taking part in the event, on-line at www.tkoboxoffice.com or call the box office on 07960 850645

 

boxing, UK Boxing

Shyam Batra Presents LEGENDS & PROSPECTS

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30th January 2015 @ York Hall, London

London – Wednesday, 21st January 2015

Khan Returns To The Fray On Jan 30th – Faces Voros at York Hall In London

 

On Friday 30th January 2015, Bradford’s Tasif Khan makes his most welcome return to the fray, following a two year sabbatical from the sport, when he faces Hungarian Richard Voros on the Shyam Batra promoted Legends & Prospects event at York Hall in London.

 

First time around Tasif, who turned professional in 2005, proved not only to be an exciting prospect but also highly popular with the fans, so much so that after just his sixth fight young Khan became a regular on events, at the Reebok Stadium in Bradford and at the M. E.N. Arena in Manchester, promoted by Ricky Hatton, including the Amir Khan versus Paul McCloskey WBA World Championship bout in April 2011.

 

For his return bout Tasif is set to face the Hungarian #4 ranked Richard Voros, a tough globe trotting fighter, who is more than comfortable competing in his opponents own backyards, including those in the UK, such as current IBF Inter-Continental Super Flyweight Champion Khalid Yafai, who he fought back in 2012.

 

Speaking from his Bradford home Tasif spoke briefly about his impending return to the ring on the 30th January.

 

“I’m really looking forward to the fight, I’ve been itching to be back in, it’s been way too long I’ve been out of the ring.

 

Mentally I feel good, physically I feel good and I’m more motivated and more hungry than ever.

 

I don’t know too much about Richard Voros, other than he’s an experienced fighter, I know he’s had quite a few fights and has fought all over in a number of countries.

 

I don’t doubt he’s going to bring his A-Game, so am I and I’m hoping to put on a really good display for my comeback fight.

 

This fight means so much to me, almost as much as when I fought at the M.E.N. on the undercard of Amir Khan-Paul McCloskey.

 

That was a great experience, I’ll never forget that night as long as I live, it was a great experience and great people.

 

I get on really well with Amir Khan and his family, they are great people, they really made it a great experience for me, all of it even during the build up to the fight.

 

I put in a really good performance on the night, it went really well and was a great experience and puts me in a good position for fights in the future, hopefully get to fight on more big events like that in the future.

 

At the time I didn’t really take it all in because of the moment of the fight and everything like that.

 

This should be a really good night and will be the first time I have fought at York Hall, really looking forward to that, as well as watching George Hillyard when he fights for the WBU International title.

 

I would like to say thank you to all my fans for traveling down to London, I know it’s a fair trek so really appreciate everyone for their support, whether they make it or not.

 

My family and friends have been great, by my side from day one, even with the absence I’ve had I’ve still had great support from everyone and want to say that I am dedicating this fight to my fans because they have been great and stood by me.

 

Also a big thank you to my sponsors Kingsland Business Recovery and Vyomax Nutrition, they have been great from day one, even through my absence and the injuries that have kept me out of the ring.

 

Finally I’d like to say thank you to Rio (Malta Boxing Commission VP Gianluca Di Caro) and Johnny (Champions TKO head honcho Johnny Eames) for their support and the work they have been putting in behind the scenes, it’s much appreciated, cheers.”

Tasif Khan versus Richard Voros will feature on the Shyam Batra promoted ‘LEGENDS & PROSPECTS event, headlined by George Hillyard versus Michal Vosyka WBU International Middleweight title clash, that takes place at York Hall in Bethnal Green, London, on Friday, 30th January 2015.

Sanctioning for this event will be provided courtesy of the Malta Boxing Commission (MBC) –www.maltaboxingcommission.com

Tickets, priced £30 (Standard Seated), £40 (Gallery) and £65 (Ringside) – are available direct from Tasif – tel: 07756 311857 – from any of the boxers taking part in the event, on-line at www.tkoboxoffice.com or call the box office on 07960 850645

 

boxing, Goodwin Boxing, UK Boxing

Goodwin Boxing launch new boxing tickets website for boxers

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Will help Boxers in their quest for ticket sales

 

Goodwin Boxing are delighted to announce today the launch of a specific boxing ticket website www.iboxingtickets.com.

 

This will enable boxer’s fans to purchase tickets on line for their fights. A purchaser would go to a particular show click on the boxer’s picture and buy the ticket. The money would then be directly allocated to the boxers account.

 

Steve Goodwin said “We discussed the issue of a boxers ticket sales at length with our team Kevin (Campion) Josh (Goodwin) and Olivia (Goodwin).  Kevin designed the idea and we believe it will help every one of our boxers. When boxers are selling tickets sometimes they have to drive around and deliver them. This will stop this as the boxer can direct them to the site. We accept that there are fees involved to cover the credit card processing but there is nothing we can do about that but these fees are competitive in comparison with any other on line booking system.”

 

All of the Goodwin Boxing shows in March will be covered on this website and the site will also be developed to incorporate when Goodwin boxers fight on other promoters shows as well.

 

“We believe this site could be a major force in boxing ticket sales for years to come” said Goodwin “However initially it is about generating support for our boxers.”

 

 

www.iboxingtickets.com