Tag Archives: Dale Evans

amateur boxing, boxing, Goodwin Boxing, UK Boxing

It’s make or break for Sharif in rematch on Matchroom fight Pass show

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When 32 year old Aji Sharif turned professional in 2013 he had high hopes with his sole defeat as an amateur coming at the hands of Olympic Gold Medallist Anthony Joshua.

His professional career started off in good fashion with 3 straight victories including a stoppage. His fourth professional fight was set for December 2013 on a Goodwin Promotions Matchroom fight pass show where he took on 6 foot 9 ins “The Giant” Imantas Davidaitis. Davidaitis had been to the UK shores before knocking out Sheffield prospect David Howe in two rounds.

“It was a fight I was happy to take” said Sharif. I needed to beat the likes of Davidaitis to move onto toSouthern Area title level. However 6 weeks before the fight my trainer Andy Edge decided that he needed to take a break from training and I was left without a professional training establishment. Looking back I should have pulled out of the fight but I stupidly went through with it.” Sharif continued “People around me tried to help but it just was not working”.

Sharif went through with the fight to get knocked down twice in the first round and then getting stopped in the second. “My Manager/Promoter and his family were great afterwards. They all came to my dressing room and I could see they were as upset as me. A week later I went to Steve’s offices and told him I wanted an immediate rematch. Steve was initially reluctant to do this but it is pride. I have to avenge this loss. Steve then went and got me the best training camp which will be revealed after the fight. I am in the best shape both physically and mentally of my life”

Sharif finished by saying “I really need everyone’s support in this rematch as it is a career make or break for me”.

Sharif will be back under the lights on another Matchroom fight Pass show as he goes to avenge the loss. There is no doubt that this is an intriguing undercard clash supporting the Larry Ekundayo v Dale Evans (British Welterweight title eliminator) Lee Markham v Jahmaine Smyle (English Super-Middleweight title) and Johnny Garton v Nathan Weiss (Southern Area Welterweight title) clashes.

The show also features former Premiership professional footballer Leon McKenzie in his first title shot when he takes on Ivan Stupalo from Croatia for the International Masters Super-Middleweight title.

13 fights in all and one of the best non mainstream tv cards to be shown for a long time.

Remaining tickets can be obtained from either www.goodwinpromotions.co.uk or from Aji Sharif himself at www.iboxingtickets.com

Here is the full footage of the first Sharif v Davidiatis fight.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gDI9RgNrB0

 

 

boxing, Goodwin Boxing, UK Boxing

British Title Eliminator and English title head fantastic card

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Olivia Goodwin is delighted to announce that the 5thanniversary show of Goodwin Boxing will be shown live on Matchroom Fight Pass and features the best card that the Goodwin’s have assembled in celebration of five years in boxing.

 

Aptly called “ULTIMATE GLORY” Joint top of the bill is a British Welterweight title eliminator between Larry “The Natural” Ekundayo (8-0) and Dale Evans (9-1 with 2 draws). Ekundayo is one of the most talented boxers in Britain. After winning Prizefighter in 2012 Larry only had one professional bout in the 18 months afterwards. After teaming up with Ben Gray from World Class Athletes as his Commercial adviser and Steve Goodwin (Promoter/Manager) Ekundayo had two bouts culminating in winning the International Masters title at York Hall in October 2014.

 

Ekundayo is one of the most avoided fighters around so full credit to Dale Evans for stepping up to the plate, Evans has lost only 1 from 12 bout and that was in Prizefighter in January 2013 to Glenn Foot. Evans has beaten the likes of Sam Eggington and Eric Ochieng so will come into this fight with a real belief that he can win this and move onto the British title scene.

 

Co top of the bill is the English Super-Middleweight title between Lee “Banjo” Markham (14-1) and Jahmaine Smyle (11-4 2 draws). Markham has stopped 7 inside the distance and Smyle 4. This is a real 50/50 fight that could easily be one of the fights of the year.

 

The third major title fight on the show features “The Pexican” Johnny Garton (13-1) defending his Southern Area Welterweight strap against fellow Londoner Nathan Weiss (10-4 with 2 draws). Garton won the title with an exciting 8thround stoppage of Adam Battle in December 2013 whilst Weiss will hoping it is third time lucky as he has had two previous losing attempts for the Southern Area title.

 

Another fight which will be making headlines will be former professional footballer’s Leon McKenzie (undefeated in 6) first 10 round title fight when he takes on Croatian Ivan Stupalo (10-9) for the International Masters Super-Middleweight title). There has been substantial national press and radio interest in this bout with many from the sporting world attending to see what they hope will be Leon’s big night.

 

Someone never in a dull fight in “Smokin” Joe Mullender (7-1) and he fights for the International Masters Middleweight title when he takes on Gyorgy Varga from  Hungary.        .

 

Before the BIG FIVE there are some exciting talents returning to the ring and some future stars at the beginning of their careers.

 

Former English Flyweight Champion Ashley Sexton makes his return to the ring after 2 years out. Ash has now signed with the Goodwin’s and will be keen to get his career back on track.

 

Former decorated amateur star featherweight Josh Kennedy was devastating in his first bout when he blew away an opponent in 40 seconds who had previously lost only once in 8 fights. Kennedy has his second pro contest.

 

Tilbury’s Matt McCarthy is aiming for a crack at an area title later this year and has an 8 round contest against the tough Stanislav Nenkov from Bulgaria.

 

Jose “The Look” Lopes is described by his trainer Don Charles as the next David Haye. He is 2 from 2 so far and has his third contest.

 

The show will feature the eagerly awaited debut of flyweight Prince Patel. Patel had an excellent amateur career despite his style being more suited to the pro’s. He will be aiming to make a massive statement as he believes he is a future World Champion.

 

In the December show “The General” Aji Sharif suffered his first professional loss at the hands of Imantas Davidatis when he was stopped in the 2nd round. The week after the fight Sharif told his manager Steve Goodwin that he wanted nothing other than an immediate rematch and with Goodwin fulfilling Aji’s wishes it is on but don’t blink!!!!!!!

 

Another eagerly anticipated debut is for Heavyweight “Superman” Louie Darling. Louie won all 35 bouts as an unlicensed fighter winning 31 inside the distance. He has a massive fan base and will be desperate to impress everyone at York Hall and prove he will be a real contender in the future of the heavyweight division.

 

There is also a battle of the undefeated Ashley Hill (2-0) takes on Michael Waldron (1-0) in what will be an exciting tear up.

 

Cruiserweight Adam “Shrek” Hart has amazing power and demonstrated that in his debut. His second opponent Marko Rupcic will need to be on his guard.

 

Former three time Southern Area title challenger Kris Agyei-Dua has a 6 round contest whilst aiming for a fourth crack at the title in 2015.

 

This is without doubt one of the best shows the Goodwin’s have ever promoted and is befitting of the five year celebration.

 

All VIP and Ringside tickets have been sold out and only a limited amount of standard £35 tickets remain which are available from any of the boxers or onwww.iboxingtickets.com