JE Boxing is the only professional boxing platform in Kent, owned by Joe ‘The Moroccan Machine’ Elfidh – a two-weight Central Area title contender who shared the ring with English, British, Commonwealth and World champions.
As a promoter, he is single-handedly bringing big-time boxing back to the Garden of England and his hometown of Worksop.
Welcome to his weekly column – exclusive to BBN.
New season – Yorkshire watch
I’ve had a nice holiday abroad with my family but now I’m back home and ready for the new season ahead!
Having a break from it all allows you to take stock and to start thinking ahead. I’m always working closely with my fighters and their teams anyway so that we are constantly planning the right paths and assessing what’s around the corner.
I am really optimistic about the future and this next season is going to be the best one yet for JE Promotions!
Here’s a list of my talented fighters from Yorkshire and what’s in store for them in the forthcoming term:
Rod Smith (7-1)
Razor’s long-awaited comeback will finally be on September 17 in Worksop.
The super-middleweight had a great amateur schooling, is a fantastic pro and hopefully we will be looking for a Central Area title fight early next year.
The 160-pounder once turned down a crack at professional football with Sheffield United to become a paid puncher instead, debuting back in 2012 but has only fought eight times in four years with his only career loss at the hands of Welshman Tom Doran in a final eliminator for the British middleweight title in November 2015, which was Smith’s last appearance in the square ring.
Both were unbeaten going into the 10-round contest for a crack at, then champion, Nicky Blackwell’s British crown.
Smith’s best scalp so far is a points win over two-time Commonwealth title contender and ABA champion, Liam Cameron, in his fifth fight in December 2013.
We wanted an Area title shot this year but due to the delayed start, it’ll be more likely to early next year now.
Chris Reyes (Debutant)
Looking at getting his pro career started, first of all. When he does, I fully expect him to be a champion within a few fights.
The Filipino super-bantamweight has got loads of potential and finally makes his pro bow on September 17 at North Notts Arena.
Connor Tongue (1-0)
Hopefully Connor will be injury free soon. Debuted over a year ago but recently failed a medical but now he’s been cleared by the doctor.
He’s still only 24 so plenty of time ahead of him.
Andy White (2-1)
Langold’s light-heavyweight Andy White will also hopefully be injury free and back in the ring as soon as possible.
He’s nearing 28 and hasn’t fought since March 2016 when he beat Curtis Gargano – who always comes to win – on points, winning all four rounds.
Darren Snow (5-15-1)
I’ll be keeping the Road Warrior as busy and as safe as possible.
He always wins his fights at home so would like to get him a Challenge belt before he retires from the sport because he deserves it. He’s brilliant to work with, the fans love him and I’ve got a lot of time for Darren.
We are kicking off the new season in the exact right with his next fight at home on September 17 in Worksop followed by an away fight the weekend after in Newark against a debutant.
Kyle Fox (2-0)
He’s not even finished his first year of boxing as a pro and he’s ready to be let off the leash already.
Unbeaten super-welterweight from Armthorpe and his next fight is September 17 at North Notts Arena.
As an amateur, he was crowned Yorkshire champion four times as junior and senior, so he’s got a great schooling and it shows in the his ring performances.
Hottest talent in Doncaster!
Richard Thomas (5-1)
We are looking at defending his newly-attained Central Area super-middleweight title.
He’s ready for all-comers. He won that belt against the odds, when the opposition wrote him off. He very nearly knocked out his opponent Dan Slaney out in the first 15 seconds! They thought they knew how to beat Richard but they really didn’t.
Mark Bennett (Debutant)
Mark will be making his debut this year, hopefully on November 11 on the next Worksop show.
He will be a powerful ticket seller. Yet another exciting heavyweight signing.
Nathan Thomas (1-1)
Nathan had one fight resulting in a debut loss, then he signed with me and got a win under his belt.
However, he has since decided to retire from boxing due to family commitments.
I’d like to with the best of luck to him and his family.
Special Thanks:
Thanks to Scott callow for helping to raise the profile of the Worksop shows by putting his fighters on the show and being a pleasure to work with.
Thanks to Michael White and Fighting Fit Gym in Dinnington.
Want to conclude by saying thanks to all the fighters for their hard work and loyalty. They have mostly renewed their contracts. Win lose or draw you should always stay with the team.
Thanks to Kent Trade frames for sponsoring every show. Also to 1clickprint, Campbell Nutrition, Swerve City, RoofDec.
Thanks to Tim Rickson of TR Sports Agency for all of his PR work, thanks to Jamie and mike, and Stephanie Diaper for sorting out tickets and admin for JE Promotions.
For tickets to the next show, visit https://www.facebook.com/JEsportsnetwork/ or call 07883 943994
JE Promotions would like to thank Kent Trade Frames – Campbell Nutrition – Invicta Gym – Fighting Fit Gym – Roofdec – 1ClickPrint and Media Officer Tim Rickson