Posts Tagged ‘Erick Ochieng’
Now I’m Ready For The Big Fish
September 13th, 2012 | 
Author: TRAD TKO Boxing Gym
ERICK ‘THE EAGLE’ OCHIENG
English Light Middleweight Champion
By Rio
London - Wednesday, 12th September 2012
Erick Ochieng: Now I’m Ready For The Big Fish - Rose or Cox Next?
On Saturday night, at Alexandra Palace in London, English Light Middleweight Champion Erick ‘The Eagle’ Ochieng retained his title in style, with a fifth round stoppage over Southern Area champ Ryan Toms.
In doing so the 25 year old from Stoke Newington, via Nairobi, Kenya, sent a solid statement of intent to British Champion Brian Rose and Commonwealth Champion Jamie Cox that he has them firmly in his sights.
Even though he is without doubt a natural talent, Ochieng firmly puts his meteoric rise down to his manager and coach Bryan Lawrence and his unconventional approach, by today’s standard, of taking tough learning fights rather than ‘protecting’ his charge with journeymen throughout the early stages of his career.
Whilst it is true that during his early career Ochieng fought the odd journeyman, such as Matt Scriven (Erick’s debut fight) and Alex Spitko, as well as a couple of tough fighters with negative records, the vast amount of his fights have been against genuine prospects.
In just his second bout Ochieng took on, and beat, Prince David Davis in his own back yard in Nottingham, then following a fantastic second round KO against seriously tough Jon Harrison faced, and beat, unbeaten previously unbeaten prospect Curtis Valentine.
In his fifth bout Ochieng stopped the durable Alex Spitko, before going on to beat former yet another seriously tough opponent in Lee Noble.
Ochieng then suffered his only loss of his career, a highly contentious points decision to rising prospect Luke Robinson, after which referee Ken Curtis was slated by the media for this rather dubious decision.
Not being one to dwell on things, within weeks Bryan Lawrence accepted another testing challenge for his talented charge, one that could easily be described as an early career defining fight, against Liam Cameron, a seasoned, and previously undefeated in nine outings, prospect. What’s more again the bout would be in the opponents own back yard.
With another big scalp under his belt, an eliminator for the British title was quickly lined up, but fell through just weeks before fight night. Instead Ochieng took a low key six rounder, against Dee Mitchell, at the York Hall in London in order to keep busy.
This proved to be a very good move, as a few days after his victory over Mitchell, Ochieng received news that he was to get a shot at the vacant English title, the bad news though it was to be against Liverpool’s Scott Quigley, who like Erick had just the one loss - which came at the hands of Robert Lloyd Taylor in the final of the excellent Matchroom Sport promoted Prizefighter Light Middleweight tournament.
Over a thousand punches were thrown in the first eight rounds of the barnstorming, Fight of the Year’ nominated battle. The pair of Warriors stood toe to toe most of the fight throwing seemingly never ending salvos of massive uppercuts, heavy hooks and solid straights.
After eight nonstop action filled rounds, Ochieng was five rounds up on the judges scorecards and Quigley already had the look of a beaten man, as was proved just seconds into the ninth, when Quigley’s corner threw in the towel to save their man any further punishment.
Some four months later Ochieng and Lawrence were heading back up the M1 to Nottingham, where ‘The Eagle’ was set to face yet another midlander, AA Lowe, in his home town, this time though it was for the first defense of his English Crown and more importantly for Ochieng it would be in front of a massive Worldwide audience on the undercard of Carl Froch’s defense of his IBF World crown against Lucian Bute.
‘The Eagle’ put on a masterful display, boxing of the back foot and picking his punches, and boy did he pick them in style on his way to securing a virtual shut out points victory.
Which brings us full circle to Saturday night and the magnificent stoppage win over Ryan Toms, leaving only the question of what now for the soaring Eagle?
On returning to the TRAD TKO Gym earlier today, the effervescent Ochieng shared his view of the fight, as well as provided an insight into his future plans.
“First of all I want to give thanks to my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for the victory.
It was awesome, you know, I knew Toms was going to be a tough opponent, which he was, he had a tough head for sure.
Everyone that can punch is dangerous, he stopped Nathan Weisse in his last fight so I knew he had power in his left hand and I knew I had to stay away from his left, if you’re fighting a southpaw you have to stay away from the left, which is what I was doing.
In the first couple of rounds I kept making him miss and focused on him and what I am going to do. I was just trying to find my distance, you know just measuring him up, because he has that good defense.
At the end of the fourth Bryan said you’ve got to walk him down and hold your ground more, so in the fifth that’s what I did, I held my ground and hit him on the body, when I did I see it in his face, he didn’t like the feel of them punches on his body, so then I thought ‘ah these body punches are getting to him’, so went at him again and threw a big left hook and he just went straight down.
For the count I went to the corner and I came back and went right back at the body, because I knew the body shots were hurting him, I see the opportunity and grabbed it with both hands and threw more shots to the body until the referee stepped in and stopped the fight.
I was overjoyed and great things ahead.
I spoke with Eddie Hearn and we decided I’m going to vacate the title now and we’re ready for the big fish. We’re looking at the Commonwealth or the British, whichever comes first I’m ready for it.
I have a great team behind me, they’re doing a great job and the fan base, well what can I say, I have a great fans, you know ‘Eagle, Eagle, Eagle’ what can I say they’re just great and really support me. They really want to see me fight, not just because I’m a good looking funny guy, they come along and they are loud, which is great as this really pushes me.
I’m really happy the way things are progressing, as I keep saying I’m a World Champion in the making, it’s just a matter of time.”
PHOTOS
Erick Ochieng Eyes Clash With Rose Or Cox in near future
PHOTO CREDIT
Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro
JustListen2This Publicity & Promotion
Posted in Boxing, Boxing Articles, Boxing Photos, Boxing Schedule, British Titles, European Boxing, Fight Night, Information, Latest Boxing News, Latest News, Professional Boxing, TKO, UK Boxing News | 
Tags: Boxing, Boxing news, Erick Ochieng, Latest Boxing News, Ochieng, TKO, TKO Boxing Gym, TRAD TKO
Williams Ready To Take Norton’s Title
TKO BOX OFFICE
LEON ‘SOLID’ WILLIAMS Vs. ROB NORTON
British Cruiserweight Championship
21st October 2011 @ York Hall, Bethnal Green, London
By Rio
London - Thursday, 13th October 2011
Camp’s Over, Williams Ready To Take Norton’s Title On The 21st Oct.
On Wednesday evening, at Johnny Eames’ TRAD TKO Boxing Gym in Canning Town, British Cruiserweight title challenger Leon Williams completed the final sparring session of his training camp, for next Friday’s highly anticipated showdown with current Champ Rob Norton at the York Hall in Bethnal Green.
Whilst it’s not unusual for other fighters to catch as much of a sparring session as possible, it is rare for a whole gym of top class fighters, that includes the likes of Frankie Gavin, Erick Ochieng, Billy Joe Saunders, Mitchell Balker etc, and trainers such as Jimmy Tibbs, Mark Tibbs and Bryan Lawrence to halt their training regimes in order to watch the ensuing battles, which in itself speaks volumes of the intensity and quality of the session.
As the bell rang to bring the final round to a finish, the suffocating air of tension that encompassed the gym was shattered by the sound of thirty or so pairs of hands erupting into enthusiastic applause for the sensational performance.
At the very same moment Williams’, as well as co-trainers Johnny Eames and Barry Smith’s, serious expressions broke into beaming smiles, as the knowledge that the job was done and they were well and truly ready dawned on them.
Once the round of congratulations came to an end Johnny Eames just couldn’t hide his contented smile as he said, “We’ve just finished the last twelve rounds of Leon Williams sparring.
He’s sparred with three different big southpaws, who all fought in the style of Rob Norton. To be honest he dusted everyone of them up.
He’s ready, now I can’t wait ‘til fight night, Leon can’t wait ‘til fight night.
I’m really confident and looking forward to the TKO having another British Champion in the house.”
Leon ‘Solid’ Williams versus Rob Norton for the British Cruiserweight Championship headlines the Francis and George Warren’s Queensberry Promotions event at York Hall, Bethnal Green, London, and broadcast live on BoxNation (Sky Platform Ch. 456), on Friday the 21st October 2011.
Heading up the support card for this battle of the big boys will pitch Cromer, Norfolk’s Ryan Walsh against Melsham, Wiltshire’s Liam Richards for the vacant English Super Bantamweight title.
The stacked undercard also features the UK debut of unbeaten Irishman Dean ‘Irish Lightning’ Byrne, Penge’s unbeaten Welterweight Bradley Skeet,
Croydon Light Welter Danny Davis and the debut of Peckham Welterweight John Garton, all against yet to be named opponents.
Tickets, priced £40 (standard seated) and £60 (ringside) for Williams vs. Norton are available now, either direct from Leon Williams - tickets are also be available at the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym, Gillian House, Stephenson Street, Canning Town, London E16 4SA and on-line at www.tkoboxoffice.com
PHOTOS: Barry Smith, Leon Williams and Johnny Eames relax after final sparring at the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym in London
PHOTO CREDIT: Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro
JustListen2This Publicity & Promotion
London, UK, Gzira, Malta & Philadelphia, USA
Interview With Erick ‘The Eagle’ Ochieng
Interview With Rising Light Middleweight Star Erick ‘The Eagle’ Ochieng
I’m sure that the majority of those reading this will already be well aware of the talented young Light Middleweight prospect Erick ‘The Eagle’ Ochieng from Stoke Newington in London. It’s hard not to be as Erick receives a lot more column inches in the boxing press than most seven fight veterans. Rightly so as young Erick is proving to be a true star in the making.
His undoubted talent has already earned him a shot at the British Southern Area title. Whilst this would normally be a huge step-up in class for most young fighters, who are highly protected and fighting only carefully matched contests for their first ten or so bouts, Erick’s manager-trainer Brian Lawrence has always felt confident enough to take any fight offered for his young charge throughout his fledgling career.
Prime examples are his third and his most recent fights. Back in May last year Brian was offered another unbeaten prospect Curtis Valentine, as an opponent, which he gladly accepted.
On learning he was to fight Valentine, Erick told Boxing News’ Andrew Wake, “I don’t really want to be put in with journeymen. The better people I fight now will show my potential. If you are protected you don’t get better, if you are challenged in your early fights it makes you a better fighter in the long run.”
The stern test he had been hoping for failed to materalise as Noble closed shop and pulled down the shutters, preferring to go on the defensive and hope for a chink to appear in the Eagles’ armour. It never did and Erick cruised to a shutout 60-54 points victory having barely broken into a sweat.
Immediately after the victory over Noble, Erick was told that he will be challenging for the Southern Area title at the first opportunity, which will probably be sometime in May or June.
With his first title shot on the horizon you could easily expect young Erick to sit back and relax before starting his preparations, but you’d be wrong as on the 18th March he fought again, on Spencer Fearon’s Hard Knock Boxing Promotions ‘Shamrock Showdown’ - and controversially lost.
As before Erick had accepted another tough challenge, this time against Castleford’s Luke Robinson, who had a five win, one draw and one loss record. I say controversial loss because everyone, the assembled media and packed York Hall crowd, felt he had clearly won by at least three rounds to Robinson’s one, however the only person who didn’t share that view was the man that counts - referee Ken Curtis - who for some reason scored it the complete opposite way with a 38-39 points decision in favour of Robinson.
My fight report of the Shamrock Showdown event, which was taken from the round by round recordings I make during the breaks, clearly shows that in my view Erick is the clear winner by a country mile - a view that was shared by all the journalists present.
Back to the action as the second bout of the night, between highly rated and unbeaten Erick ‘The Eagle’ Ochieng and former ABA winner Luke ‘Lionheart’ Robinson, proved to be a cracking fight, albeit with a highly controversial end result.
Robinson was out of the traps quickly to close down Ochieng, to neutralise his highly effective jab. Ochieng used a bit of savvy and went on the back foot to find some room to get his jabs off. Robinson kept coming forward throwing some pretty wild shots until eventually he had backed Ochieng onto the ropes. Robinson kept throwing wild off target shots at the ever ducking and weaving ‘Eagle’. Ochieng responded with some highly effective stiff jabs to force Robinson back until his next rally. It was a close round, Robinson the more aggressive, but failing to hit the ever moving target, whilst Ochieng was more controlled and getting results by landing good solid jabs.
Round two was more of the same with Robinson pushing. Ochieng on the other hand was content to stay with his back to the ropes and pick off Robinson at will, with stiff jabs and punishing one-twos to the body. An easy round to call as Robinson barely landed a punch for all his wind milling whilst Ochieng, who barely threw a couple of dozen shots the whole round, landed each effort solidly, much to the delight of this fans who in unison chanted ‘Eagle, Eagle, Eagle’ after each contact.
Both rounds three and four were more of the same, Robinson flies out of the trap but ‘The Eagle’ just stays calm and picks him off at will - Robinson pushes forward but barely lands a glove on the ever mobile Ochieng, yet gets caught himself by every precision counter.
The crowd jeer as the referee raises Robinson’s arm aloft declaring him victorious by a 39-38 points margin. Ochieng and his manager-coach Brian Lawrence look around confused as Robinson celebrates.
Shortly after the result was officially read out promoter Spencer Fearon announced that there will be a rematch at his next show, much to the delight of the assembled crowd.
Even after being robbed of a clear win Erick just shrugged his shoulders and said. “I know I won and the fans know I won, that’s what matters. I’m disappointed to have a loss on my record but have put that behind me and focusing on the next fight, which I have been told will be for the Southern Area title.”
You just can’t help admiring Erick’s attitude, I don’t think I for one would just accept such a blatant bad decision so easily. Saying that there is a lot to admire with this young man, as I found out when I caught up with him, at the TKO Boxing Gym in Canning Town, and got to talk with him about his career to date as well as his future aspirations.
Erick) First of all I want to thank God for my career. I also want to thank my supporters, they’re awesome I get such great support
I’m focused and coming on strong with my technique, you know I’m really happy with the progress and the coaching. Brian Lawrence, my coach-manager, does great work, great support.
I’ve had seven fights now, six wins, one loss and I’m looking for the Southern Area title, which will be my next fight. So things are looking bright, as I say I am already World Champion as the world is about to find out soon.
Rio) Your first couple of fights were unusually tough for a prospect. How do you feel having such tough fights against quality opponents so early on in your career has benefited you?
Erick) My first fight I had Matt Scriven, for my second fight I had Prince David, that was his debut fight. When you go in against them kind of guys they’re coming to win. It was good to have this fight, fights like this make you stronger.
I knew that I had greatness in front of me, fighting those kind of guys showed me what kind of fighter I am. It shows what category of fighter you are fighting people like Prince David.
I then fought Curtis Valentine, who was also unbeaten, so you can say I have been tested and not protected. Which is good, too many fighters are protected until the reach ten or sometimes even twenty fights before they get a proper challenger in their career.
So for me it’s good, because I know having these kind of fights just make me stronger. You know I get stronger every time. The better my opponent perform, the better I perform. The higher I go the brighter I shine.
Rio) I was at York Hall when you stopped the highly durable Alex Spitko, it was a classy performance, could you give us your view on the fight?
Erick) Alex Spitko, he’s known as a hard man, hard chin, he doesn’t crack and give in. He’s a tough fighter and I just stayed with him and just boxed him. Looked good, I was in great shape, I had great fun there and I just picked him off with my jab. He was like walking into my jab and then I just boxed him.
On the last round I knocked him out. He walked into my right hand, ‘cos I couldn’t hit him with my jab, after you hit with the jab you couldn’t hit him with any other punches. He’s a good fighter. I’m happy I’m getting this kind of fight in my early stages.
Rio) Your fight was against British Masters champion Lee Noble, not quite the nonstop action type of fight we’re used to seeing you in, why was this?
Erick) I was quite relaxed on the fight because I knew what kind of fighter he is. He came out covered up and was waiting for me to run out of gas and get tired. But I knew what kind of fighter he is so I just used my jab. I listened to my corner and just worked my jab, I was setting him up with my jab so that if he opened up I could have caught him.
Ever since I see what he did with Pat (TKO Gym mate Pat McAleese), I respect him as a good fighter, he’s strong. He’s not a bum, he’s been down that road plenty of times.
He’s had twenty five fights, he knows his stuff. He’s quite strong and was heavier than me. I knew I had to be smart, use my jab. I feel I could have done a bit more because I knew what type of fighter he is. I made sure I had a lot more in reserve. After the six rounds I feel quite good, I could have done more rounds. But it’s all good I was happy to do the six rounder, now I’ve a six rounder under my belt.
Rio) OK, now we’re up to your last fight against Luke Robinson - The referee Ken Curtis gave the decision against you. What are your thoughts on the fight?
Erick) I’m disappointed to have lost, It was supposed to be a six rounder, but it was reduced to a four rounder.
My plan for a six rounder was to break him down and then knock him out. I stuck with the plan even though it was now a four rounder. I rocked him a couple of times but didn’t have enough time to take him out. I thought I had done enough but the referee said I lost by just one point. That’s boxing, I’m disappointed to have a loss on my record but have put that behind me and focusing on the next fight.
Rio) You’ve got the Southern Area coming up soon, and you just touched on your aim to fight for the British by the end of the year. I assume these are the first titles you aim to fight for?
Erick) We’re looking to the Southern Area soon and then our eyes are on the British. We’ve got time to wait as I am young, strong and smart. But I’m ready to rise and do the business, we don’t want to have padded fights and then wait before challenging for the British title, that doesn’t make sense, that’s a lot of time being wasted.
I have the potential so why not go for the title when I can do it. I’ve got what it takes, I’ve got the goods and I believe I can go for it soon.
My plan is by my fifteenth fight I’d want to challenge for the European, I could then challenge for a World title when I’ve had around twenty fights. So we’re looking for on my tenth fight the British, God willing, and then a couple more fights under my belt and a bit more experience then the European and then we’re going to knocking at the Golden Boy for the World title.
We’re aiming high, but I can’t say enough about Brian Lawrence, he’s an expert coach and he’s been at that level. When he looks at me as a fighter, he looks at me as a World Champion, that’s why he wants me to perform at a higher level. That’s why he push me to perform higher. He has the experience, as you know he’s worked with Don King and others, so you can’t go wrong. And I’ve got Christ on my side.
Rio) You’ve been with Brian from the start, what made you choose him?
Erick) As I have said Brian is a very good coach, experienced and he knows what he’s doing. He knows how to watch fighters and can see things before it happens. Some coaches, to be honest, don’t know what they are doing. They might get you fit but they don’t know when to let you rest and the like. Brian is an awesome coach.
He’s got Ian Napa on the team. I learn a lot from Ian, his style, his defense. He’s a great fighter and has been European champion, he’s been there and knows what it takes.
It’s good because he’s also got Ben Murphy, he’s strong and you learn sparring him, it’s a different style. I’ve even sparred Damian, we did a two or three rounds.
The TKO is an awesome gym, always buzzing, fighters of all weights and experience. Great sparring anytime, you can’t ask for more than that. Awesome.
Rio) You touched on that you get great sparring, who have you sparred recently?
Erick) I’ve sparred here with lots of the guys here. I sparred Sam (British Light Middleweight Champion Sam Webb) when he was preparing for Martin Concepcion, Ben (Murphy) obviously. I sparred Kevin Mitchell here when he was preparing for the Michael Katsides fight. Sparred lots of the guys here
I’ve sparred Darren Barker and Lee Purdy, not here though. I sparred with Sugar Jackson in Belgium. I went there and really had to dig deep you know. I went there for a week and then they bought in another guy for the second week, but he got tired so they sent him home and called me and said could you come back for another week. So I went back for the second week. Which was awesome, because he’s a strong fighter and keep coming forward. I’m strong myself, however that taught me to be able to box on the back foot, use my jab and make him miss. It went great, it’s that kind of sparring that make me a great fighter.
Rio) Thank you for taking the time to talk with me today, finally is there anything you would like to add?
Erick) I want to give a shout out to all my supporters, you know who you are - EAGLE, EAGLE, EAGLE - I want to give special thanks to Ken from BoxFit, he sponsor me at the moment, and I want to give special thanks to Tim, Dan and Paul of my sponsor King Apparel . Thank you for your support, it’s much appreciated.
PHOTOS
Erick Ochieng (TKO Boxing Gym in London)
PHOTO CREDIT
Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro
Posted in Latest News, Professional Boxing |
Tags: Boxing, Erick Ochieng, Erick The Eagle Ochieng, Erick ‘The Eagle’ Ochieng, The Eagle, TKO
UK Boxing News: Erick Ochieng’s Controversial Loss
By Rio
London - Tuesday, March 22
Erick Ochieng: Undaunted By Controversial Loss - Focuses On Title Shot In May
Last Friday night Stoke Newington’s Erick ‘The Eagle’ Ochieng suffered a highly contentious loss to Castleford’s Luke ‘Lionheart’ Robinson at the York Hall in Bethnal Green, London.
Ochieng versus Robinson was main support to the co-headlining title fights of Adil Anwar versus Nathan Graham (International Masters) and Peter McDonagh versus Darren Hamilton (Southern Area) at the excellent Hard Knocks Boxing Promotions ‘Shamrock Showdown’ event.
Right from the opening bell Robinson quickly closed down Ochieng, in order to neutralise Ochieng’s highly effective jab. Ochieng was savvy and went on the back foot to find some room to get his jab off.
Robinson kept coming forward, throwing some pretty wild shots, until eventually he had backed Ochieng onto the ropes. Robinson kept throwing wild off target shots at the ever ducking and weaving Ochieng, who in return responded with some highly effective stiff jabs to force Robinson back.
It was a close round, Robinson the more aggressive, but failing to hit the ever moving target, whilst Ochieng was more controlled and getting results by landing good solid jabs.
Round two was more of the same with Robinson pushing. Ochieng on the other hand was content to stay with his back to the ropes and pick off Robinson at will with stiff jabs and punishing one-twos to the body.
An easy round to call as Robinson barely landed a punch for all his wind milling whilst Ochieng, who barely threw a couple of dozen shots throughout the whole round, landed each effort solidly, much to the delight of this fans who in unison chanted ‘Eagle, Eagle, Eagle’ after each contact.
Both rounds three and four were more of the same, Robinson flies out of the trap but ‘The Eagle’ just stays calm and picks him off at will - Robinson pushes forward but barely lands a glove on the ever mobile Ochieng, yet gets caught himself by every precision counter.
The crowd jeer as referee Ken Curtis raises Robinson’s arm aloft declaring him victorious by a 39-38 points margin. the packed York Hall crowd jeer and boo the decision whilst Ochieng and his manager-coach Brian Lawrence look around confused as Robinson celebrates.
Shortly after the result was officially read out promoter Spencer Fearon announced that there will be a rematch at his next show, much to the delight of the assembled crowd.
On returning to training, at the Ultrachem TKO Boxing Gym in Canning Town, Ochieng was clearly undaunted with the controversial loss as he said, “I’m disappointed to have lost, but I thank God for the opportunity to fight. I’m going to become stronger from this.
It was supposed to be a six rounder, but it was reduced from a six rounder to a four rounder.
My plan for a six rounder was to break him down and then knock him out.
I rocked him a couple of times but didn’t have enough time to take him out. I lost by just one point.
As I say I am just glad to get the opportunity to fight.
I have terrific supporters, they’re awesome. I just want to thank them all for coming down.
You haven’t seen the best of the Eagle yet, the best is still to come.
I’ve got the Southern Area (title fight) coming up soon and will be back on winning ways then.”
As Ochieng had stated he will be fighting for the Southern Area Light Middleweight title in the near future. However, there is a high possibility that the proposed rematch with Luke Robinson may come first as Spencer Fearon has stated that his next York Hall show will be in May or June.
www.tkoboxinggym.com
UK Boxing News
UK News: Erick Ochieng’s Controversial Loss
PHOTOS
Erick ‘The Eagle’ Ochieng at the Ultrachem TKO Boxing Gym in London
PHOTO CREDIT
Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro
JustListen2This Publicity and Promotions
London, UK & Philadelphia, USA
E.Mail: [email protected]
Posted in Latest News, Professional Boxing |
Tags: Bell, corner, Erick Ochieng, jabs, Lionheart, London, Luke, Punch, Ropes, Round, Shamrock, Shots, Showdown, Target, The Eagle, UK Boxing News
Erick Ochieng: ‘Shamrock Showdown’ 3/18
By Rio
London - Thursday, 3rd March 2011
Erick Ochieng: The Eagle’s Ready To Soar Against Robinson On March 18th.
Stoke Newington’s sensational Light Middleweight prospect Erick ‘The Eagle’ Ochieng is back in action on Friday the 18th March 2011 when he faces Castleford’s Luke Robinson at Spencer Fearon’s Hard Knock Boxing Promotions ‘Shamrock Showdown’ event at York Hall in Bethnal Green, London.
Ochieng, who will be fighting for the BBBofC Southern Area Light Middleweight title in May, could so easily have just rested on his laurels following last month’s dominating performance over British Masters Light Middleweight Champion Lee Noble. However Ochieng would rather keep busy and use competitive fights as part of his preparation for his first title challenge.
Following a training session, under the ever watchful eyes of his manager-coach Brian Lawrence at the Ultrachem TKO Boxing Gym in Canning Town, Ochieng spoke briefly about the upcoming fight, “Yeah, the Eagle’s out again on the 18th.
My last fight against Lee Noble was a good fight, it could have been greater if he’d come out to fight. You know what I won and I thank God for the victory.
A good crowd was out supporting me so I’m expecting an even bigger crowd to be out on the 18th March.
I’ll be fighting Luke Robinson, I don’t know much about him but he fought one of my old opponents Curtis Valentine. I haven’t got to watch him fight, but that doesn’t matter the Eagle’s ready and looking good, feeling good and feeling strong. It’s going to be an awesome fight.
We’ve got the Southern Area in May, it’s been moved to May, so this’ll be good a six rounder. I just want to get another six rounder under my belt. This guy’ll get to feel my power, my speed, my technique, yeah so he’s a warm-up you could say.
The Eagle’s rising and I want to thank all my supporters, give thanks to my sponsors Ken from BoxFit. I want to give thanks to King Apiro, Paul Dan and Kim. Thank you all.”
Brian Lawrence, who had sat next to his talented charge throughout, then added, “The Lee Noble fight was a good fight for Erick. Lee Nobles tough. Erick got a good win against a current champion, so as Erick could beat him so convincingly it speaks volumes. it was a good fight for Erick as he’s learning all the time and he’s just moving up the rankings.
Now we’ve got another six rounder. We’re just keeping him busy ‘cos we’ve got the Southern Area coming up. We’re just waiting for the Boxing Board to see who their going to put up for Erick to fight for the Southern Area.
We’re expecting another win on the 18th and then keep progressing with him.”
Final word on Erick ‘The Eagle’ Ochieng though has to go to promoter Spencer Fearon who said, “Yeah Erick and his fans bring the hype and passion that Hard Knocks is all about. So I have replaced one Eagle for another as Kreshnic Qato will be fighting back for his WBF title in May on my Hard Knocks show.”
Erick ‘The Eagle’ Ochieng versus Luke Robinson will be supporting Darren ‘Mr R&B’ Hamilton’s challenge for Peter McDonagh’s BBBofC Southern Area Light Welterweight title at Spencer Fearon’s Hard Knock Boxing Promotions ‘Shamrock Showdown’ event at York Hall on Friday 18th March 2011.
Spencer Fearon has put together a top class undercard to support rising Light Welterweight star Darren Hamilton’s first tilt at a championship title. In addition to the aforementioned Ochieng versus Robinson the highly rated Worthing Lightweight Alex Dilmaghani looking to extend his unbeaten record to six when he faces the highly experienced Sheffield hard man Daniel Thorpe.
Also on the card are a pair of Ochieng’s Ultrachem TKO Boxing Gym mates. First up is Mitcham, Surrey, Welterweight Danny ‘Cassius’ Connor, who will be facing Jamie Arlain.
Adding an International flavour to the proceedings is the other. London based Dutch Cruiserweight prospect Mitchell Balker gets another stern test when he faces recent Prizefighter semi-finalist Menay ‘The Emperor’ Edwards.
Also on the card will be Aylesbury’s classy Middleweight Nathan Graham against a yet to be named opponent.
Tickets for the Spencer Fearon’s Hard Knocks Boxing Promotions SHAMROCK SHOWDOWN at York Hall, Bethnal Green, London on Friday 18th March 2011 are priced £35 and on sale NOW.
For tickets book on-line at www.tkoboxoffice.com, call: 07960 850645 or in person at The Ultrachem TKO Gym, Gillian House, Stephenson Street, Canning Town, London E16 4SA.
PHOTOS
Erick ‘The Eagle’ Ochieng
PHOTO CREDIT
Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro
JustListen2This Publicity and Promotions
London, UK & Philadelphia, USA
Posted in Latest News, Professional Boxing |
Tags: Boxing, Eagle, Erick Ochieng, Fight, Hard Knock, Luke Robinson, middleweight, Shamrock Showdown, Soar, TKO
