Maloney Launches Novice Tournament

Promoter Frank Maloney and Fighters Inc are launching a new boxing tournament for novice heavyweights.

The eight-man competition will begin later this year with the grand final being held at London’s ExCel on 2nd June 2012 at the Seni Show/BoxFair.

Maloney and Fighters Inc chief Joe Long have been working on the competition for several months and believe they will discover Britain’s next great heavyweight over the coming months.

The fighters will be drawn into two groups of four and compete against each rival in their division over four rounds.

The first matches will take place in November, round two is being held in January and the last group encounters are next March.

The winners of each division will meet in a big money final and the victor crowned ‘HW Factor Champion 2012’.

He will also be handed a lucrative three-year promotional deal with Maloney and take the first steps towards fame and fortune.

The runners-up in each group will also meet on finals night when Maloney and Fighters Inc will stage a gala night of heavyweight boxing at the Excel.

Everybody attending the final will enter a draw to win two tickets for the finals of the 2012 Olympics.

Maloney said: “Joe and myself have been working on a concept that will freshen up boxing and give novice fighters the chance to earn some recognition.

“It will be a fan friendly tournament with a points system and cash bonuses encouraging boxers to go for knockouts and stoppages.”

Long added: “This is the sort of competition will earn boxing recognition and get fans and fighters talking.

“It will be vibrant and energetic from the first bell in November to the winners’ hand being raised at next summer.”

Maloney and Long will advertise for boxers wishing to enter the fast and furious tournament on forums and trade papers during the next few weeks.

To qualify, potential entrants must have had five or less professional contests or be someone wishing to turn professional.

The great eight will be selected by Maloney, Long and their experienced teams and then invited to sign up.

The divisional draws and order of fights will be made at a press conference two weeks before the opening night.

It is hoped London’s Mermaid Theatre will host the early stages of the competition, although this is still to be confirmed.

September 13, 2011