Maloney’s Heavyweight Prospects In Action At Newham

Posted on | March 19, 2009 | No Comments

Two of the most promising heavyweight prospects in Britain will be in action this Friday, March 20 on the undercard of the Ian Napa vs. Malik Bouzaine European bantamweight title fight show at Newham Leisure Centre in London.

Larry Olubamiwo and Tom Dallas both turned professional last year with promoter Frank Maloney and have each hammered their way to perfect records after three bouts.

30 year old Olubamiwo has earned his “War Machine” nickname in brutal fashion as the 6’4, 260 pound Hackney resident hasn’t allowed a rival to see the finish of a fight, producing three KO’s against seasoned journeyman opposition.

At Newham Leisure Centre this Friday, Olubamiwo, 3-0 (3), will meet what will likely be his stiffest challenge to date, in the form of opponent Mick O’Connell, who will be making his pro debut.

In contrast to Olubamiwo, who only had 11 amateur bouts, 34 year old O’Connell had a long and glittering career in the unpaid ranks, winning 135 bouts, seven Combined Services titles as a Royal Marine, an ABA title and a Commonwealth Games silver medal to go with two stints as England team captain.

If Olubamiwo allows O’Connell to make their contest a boxing match, it’s unlikey he’ll have the tools to compete with the Plymouth man but “The War Machine” didn’t get such a sobriquet from trying to outslick adversaries in the ring.

Olubamiwo’s promotional stablemate Tom Dallas, 3-0 (1), will face 37 year old Swindon novice “Big” Ben Harding, 2-1-1 (0), in a scheduled four rounder.

Towering above opponents at 6’6, Dallas made expert use of his height and reach advantages in the amateurs, racking up an junior ABA championship and nearly capturing an ABA super heavyweight title.

As a pro, Dallas hasn’t lost a round in three contests. The 230 pound 23 year old from Chatham is coming off a second round stoppage of Howard Daley in which Dallas looked to be in possession of the full arsenal, battering his quarry with an unrelenting two-fisted barrage.

At 6’3, 265 pounds, Harding is no small problem for Dallas, but that hasn’t stopped the Kent prospect from promising to deliver another resounding performance in victory.

Frank Maloney Promotions presents the Bantamweight Championship of Europe as reigning titlist Ian Napa defends against Malik Bouziane along with full undercard support at Newham Leisure Centre in London, England on Friday, March 20, 2009.

Tickets, priced at £80 for Ringside and £35 General Admission, are available by logging onto www.frankmaloney.com or by calling the Box Office at 0871 226 1508.

Sky Sports will televise the action live on SS2 at 10PM.

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