KEVIN Maree has named the next fighter he expects to graduate from his small-hall shows.
Callum Simpson, Zak Miller, Shakiel Thompson, Jack Massey and more went from his shows to boxing for belts in front of the television cameras – and Maree expects new knockout specialist Leon Hughes to do the same.
Hughes made the switch to the pros with Maree and the Jennings’ brothers just before his 20th birthday after representing England as an amateur and the Preston box-puncher has made a smooth transition.
He’s chinned his first two opponents inside two rounds apiece.
Maree admits the light-heavyweight is proving hard to match for his show at Oldham Leisure Centre on Saturday, July 26 – and that it might soon be time for him to move on.
“We are getting opponents with 6-1 records turning him down,” said Maree.
“We might not be able to hold him back. Leon might outgrow the small halls quicker than some of the others. I might have to take him to the TV promoters sooner than I expected.”
Hughes is one of eight unbeaten prospects in action in Oldham and there are also two title fights.
Maree expects the show to cost him money, but says: “I know what I’m doing.
“To put on a show at Oldham Leisure Centre costs £15-000 – £20,000 and that doesn’t include paying for opponents.
“There’s pressure on everyone to sell tickets.
“I expect to lose money, but I’m willing to take that risk.
“It’s an investment.
“We’ve had 50 champions in the last four years and there are people who’ve been in boxing for 50 years who can’t say that, so we are doing something right.
“I don’t think there’s anyone in the country better than me when it comes to getting fighters built up and then getting them on the right platform.
“The big promoters like working with me because when I take fighters to them they are ready.
“By the time I take them to TV they are ready for 50-50s.”
Maree should get another champion on his next show.
Aaron Hayden (9-0) and Adam Carberry (9-0-1) meet for the vacant Central Area super-bantamweight championship – and Maree manages both.
He said: “They are both ready for a title fight and we will see who’s more ready. One moves on and the other gets a spot on the next show, regardless, or there’s a rematch.”
In the other title fight on the show, Nathan Shepherd (8-1) and Marcus Tomlinson (8-1) meet for the Central Area middleweight title vacated by Dan Catlin.
Catlin was set to defend against Tomlinson before he left Maree stunned by quitting the pros to fight bareknuckle.
Maree has agreed to keep Tomlinson on the bill and the Central Area Council have given the green light to a match with Shepherd.
