Promoter Joe Elfidh discloses behind the scenes stories surrounding his promotional outfit
A former boxer, known as ‘The Moroccan Machine’, Joe was a two-weight Central Area title contender who shared the ring with English, British, Commonwealth and World champions, but is now an established promoter with regular shows in the South East and East Midlands with an ever-expanding roster of talented fighters.
The head honcho of JE Promotions kindly takes time out every week to write a column, exclusive to BBN:
Good News for ‘Bad News’
Mark ‘Bad News’ Bennett (4-0) has got to get through his first ever six-rounder with Miles Willington (1-5) on June 22 at the North Notts Arena in Worksop and then we’re looking for the Central Area heavyweight title next.
We were ready to challenge the champion Kash Ali before, but now he’s been suspended, we’re not sure what is happening.
It would have made for a cracking fight in Doncaster, but I don’t know what’s the latest news with the title after Kash Ali was stripped of it after his crazy biting antics against David Price last March. I have seen that he was issued with a suspension until September 26, so whether he will be allowed to fight for it again or not remains to be seen. After only six rounds all year, being disqualified in his last bout, there's little chance he will be able to go into a title fight next, so I fully expect for Bennett and another contender to meet for the Central Area title next, which will be made after September.
Bennett is first in line, so maybe David Howe could be a good opponent if he is allowed to contest it, or Josh Sandland from Halifax is another possible contender.
It makes no difference to our team who we face because we're ready!
Doncaster Dreams
My unbeaten heavyweight Mark Bennett brings all his fans over from Doncaster to fight at the North Notts Arena in Worksop, where he next appears on June 22.
I’m pleased to say that I can exclusively reveal that JE Promotions will be hosting shows in Doncaster from the new season onwards.
We have been looking at venues together as a team and have a few great places shortlisted that could provide us with some amazing nights of boxing.
All the fans journey over from Doncaster to watch ‘Bad News’ Bennett and I want to reward him and his army with local shows that they can really get behind.
Doncaster Boxing Academy, run by Ian Allcoct, also has a host of talented professionals that are eager to box locally, so there’s Josh Padley and Ryan Stevenson that will join Mark on the shows.
All are Donny boys and from next season, September onwards, these boys will be boxing in their own town.
Simon Kaihau runs Mexborough ABC and has got a new generation of boxers ready to turn over to fight on those shows.
Being a central area lad myself, I am passionate about putting a show in that area.
The Sonny is ready to shine
I’ll be looking at getting Sonny 'Boy' Price a Central Area shot if he gets through his next fight with Rhys Saunders.
He has a tough fight ahead of him because Saunders is not someone to be taken lightly. He is a tough kid and will give anyone problems.
Jack Budge v Ramez Mahmood
Steven Goodwin won the purse bids for Ramez Mahmood (9-0) vs Jack Budge (4-0) for the vacant Southern Area featherweight title.
I am just waiting for contracts to come through, but I am guessing that the fight will now be made for September or October at the York Hall in Bethnal Green.
All I can say to their team is be careful what you wish for! Jack is an absolute handful and he will come out of that away corner fighting!
Jack was due to fight for this title in April, but was forced to withdraw just two weeks before due to family issues. Then, Martin Hillman steped in at just eight days notice only for Chris Matthews to weigh in too heavy and the fight was cancelled.
So it's come full circle for Jack, who gets to fight for the title anyway, and he is chomping at the bit to win it after all the hassle he's been through.
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