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Posts Tagged ‘Michael Grant’

Micallef Promotions Is Proud To Present

Championship Boxing

Friday 14 Oct 2024 at the Oracle Conference Centre

St Paul’s Bay, Malta

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Championship Boxing Comes to Malta

Edwin Micallef – the leading boxing promoter in the Maltese Islands is launching his first professional boxing show under the sanctioning of the Malta Boxing Commission, with no less than two international title bouts. Michael Grant from the UK takes on Tarik Madni of Belgium, for the IBO International lightweight title and Maria Lindberg of Sweden defends her WIBA light middle weight title against Dakota Stone from the USA.

This exciting international fight card also has a host of boxing stars from England, Ireland, Holland, Hungary, Latvia and no less than four up and coming Maltese professional boxers who will be taking on opposition from the UK and Hungary.

Friday 14 October 2024 - Oracle Conference Centre, Saint Paul’s Bay, Malta

Commission: Malta Boxing Commission

Fight Card

Lightweight - Michael Grant vs Tarik Madni

Vacant International Boxing Organization International lightweight title

Light middleweight - Maria Lindberg vs Dakota Stone

WIBA Women’s International Boxing Association light middleweight title

Cruiserweight - Leon Williams vs Gennadijs Makarenko

Cruiserweight - Mitchell Balker vs Mareks Kovalevskis

Light welterweight - Eddie Corcoran vs Vladimiras Balaklijec

Featherweight - Marianne Marston (debut) vs Zsofia Bedo

Super middleweight - Frankie Borg vs TBA

Light middleweight - Daniel Micallef vs TBA

Lightweight - Clayton Vella (debut) vs TBA

Ticketing and Information: Malta +356 – 79856384

(UK) +44 (0)7960 850645

(UK) +44 (0) 7557 641597

Look out for more information and regular updates

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By Rio

London - Tuesday, 3rd May 2011

Graham Earl Signs Michael Grant - Fights Youssef Al Hamidi Named On May 7th

Former World Champion turned promoter Graham Earl has signed one time English title challenger Michael Grant to his rapidly growing stable of thoroughbred boxing prospects.

Grant is set to make his maiden outing under the Graham Earl Promotions banner this coming Saturday, at Graham’s ‘Redemption Day’ double title headed event at York Hall in Bethnal Green. Grant’s opponent has been named as tough Dewsbury, Yorkshire based Syrian Youssef Al Hamidi.

On making the announcement Graham Earl said, “Michael’s a good fighter, he’s done his apprenticeship. We know he’s a very good fighter and should be right up there challenging for more titles, the only reason he isn’t is that he doesn’t get to fight that often.

That will change now, so it’s down to him to show everyone that we made the right decision in signing him.”

Grant then spoke briefly on both signing with Graham Earl Promotions and Saturday’s showdown with Al Hamidi, “I’m really pleased that Graham has taken an interest in me.

It means so much to me as Graham is obviously going to get me the fights that I need to get and want this year. I’m really, really happy to be with Graham.

This is a now or never for me, I’ve had some time out and now I’ve really got to get out there and make a point.

Youssef is very experienced and has been in with some good names, he’s never been stopped, so he’s a really strong and durable fella. He’ll be a good come back fight for me.

I’m confident I’ll get the win, I’m much stronger at Lightweight and I expect to be getting a lot of stoppages at this weight.

I’m not saying I’m one hundred percent going to stop Youssef, he’s very strong and never been stopped in fourty odd fights, but I feel so much stronger at this weight and his record gives me more of an incentive to go for it to make a big statement on my return.”

Michael Grant, against Youssef Al Hamidi features on the Graham Earl promoted ‘Redemption Day’ event which is co-headlined by fellow TKO Boxing Gym mate Leon ‘Solid’ Williams who defends the BBBofC Southern Area Cruiserweight title against Danny Couzens at York Hall in Bethnal Green, London on Saturday 7th May 2011.

Co-headlining will be the eagerly anticipated Paul Morby-Daniel Cadman rematch for the Southern Area Super Middleweight title.

In addition to Michael Grant, Graham Earl has lined up a seriously strong undercard featuring some of the Country’s most exciting young warlords.

Former American Basketball star Emmanuel ‘Manny’ Oshunrinde will be hoping that his return to York Hall will be more satisfying than his previous outing there.

Oshunrinde was clearly robbed of his first win on British soil when his shortened fight with Jahmaine Smyle was declared a technical draw, following the fight being stopped, in the first round, due to a serious cut over Smyle’s right eye.

On May 7th Oshunrinde will be facing Sam Couzens, brother of Danny who faces Leon Williams.

Graham also has his exciting Light Welterweight Terry Holmes out for his third professional bout, against a yet to be named opponent. Holmes has proved to be nothing short of sensational on his two previous outings and Graham has big expectations for the heavy hitting nineteen year old from Stevenage.

Another big hitter, Belfast’s Joe Hillerby, will also be getting his third outing. Hillerby, who debuted in October 2010, has made quite an impact on the scene. No surprise really, after all he is an all action heavy hitter with a knockout finish, as proved on his debut against Gavin Putney, which lasted just 43 seconds!

His second fight, against super tough Ryan Clark, lasted the full course and turned out to be one of the most action packed fights of the night at Graham Earl’s excellent ‘Capital Punishment’ event back in January.

Lowestoft Featherweight Craig Poxton will be looking to get back to winning ways, following his loss to Grant’s opponent on Saturday Youssef Al Hamidi a year ago.

Making their professional debuts at ‘Redemption Day’ are Belfast’s Mark Ginley, Heavyweight Scott Whyley whilst former Armed Services boxer Sam Standing will be joining his TKO Boxing Gym mates Williams, Grant and Oshunrinde on the show.

Tickets for the Graham Earl Promoted ‘Redemption Day’ event at the York Hall, Bethnal Green, London on Saturday 7th May 2011 are priced £35 (Unreserved) or £60 (Ringside).

For tickets call: 07960 850645, book on-line at www.tkoboxoffice.com or call in person at The TKO Boxing Gym, Gillian House, Stephenson Street, Canning Town, London E16 4SA.

TKO BOX OFFICE

Graham Earl Promotions

Proudly Presents

Michael Grant Vs. Youssef Al Hamidi

7th May 2011 @ York Hall, London

PHOTO: Michael Grant at the TKO Boxing Gym in London

PHOTO CREDIT: Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro

E.Mail: [email protected]

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Michael Grant: Talks Career, His Move to Lightweight, Kevin Mitchell etc.

By Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro

Back in the early 2000s there was a real buzz around the British amateur boxing scene, there were some excellent young fighters coming through the ranks with serious championship potential, none more so than a particular pair of teenage buddies from London, Michael Grant and Kevin Mitchell.

A month or so ago I was fortunate enough to interview Kevin, earlier this week I caught up with Michael, at the TKO Boxing Gym in Canning Town, and had an interesting chat with him. However before I move on to the interview with Michael here is a rundown on his career to date.

Both Michael and Kevin won multi titles, including the coveted ABAs, so it was no surprise that big name managers and promoters were keen to sign them to the pro ranks. Kevin was the first to turn over, signing with Frank Warren in 2003, and start an illustrious career that has seen him undertake thirty two bouts, during which he netted the British and Commonwealth belts as well as the IBF and WBO Inter-Continental titles and a shot at the interim WBO Lightweight crown.

Michael’s career on the other hand took a massively different course. Turning pro is 2005 MIchael signed with a manager who ‘promised him the earth’ but instead delivered a mix of four and six round Dinner and small hall shows for a couple of years.

Just one year into his pro boxing career it looked like his dream was doomed to end prematurely due a serious dislocation of his shoulder, which required open surgery, sustained during his fight with Ceri Hall in October 2006

In 2008, having fully recovered from the injury, Michael signed management papers with Johnny Eames and switched his training to Johnny’s excellent TKO Boxing Gym in Canning town.

On the 24th September 2008, Michael returned to the ring against Jay Morris and put on a superb boxing display to get the win and at last Michael’s career finally started moving in the right direction.

Just a few days after the fight with Jay Morris, straight talking Johnny Eames told SecondOut.com’s Danny Coyne “I keep on saying it but Michael Grant is probably one of the best fighters I have trained and I have trained the likes of Graham Earl and the brilliant Kevin Lear over the years.” something Johnny still says to this day.

Just a few weeks later, the world got to see that Johnny was true to his word as Michael was world class as he plain out boxed #15 ranked Gary Reid to secure victory at the O2 Arena, on the undercard of David Haye’s Heavyweight debut against Monte Barrett on the 15th October 2008.

Things were definitely heading in the right direction for Michael, he’d beat a quality opponent on a major televised show.

In his first fight in 2009 another quality opponent was lined up, France’s top 5 ranked Christopher Sebire. As before Michael’s performance was scintillating and earned him a close 58-57 points victory.

Next up for Michael was an appearance in the ever popular Prizefighter series. Unfortunately for Michael disaster struck, an accidental clash of heads in the first round caused a deep cut over Michael’s left eye. Michael was able to continue but the cut worsened considerably in the third round which concerned referee Ian John-Lewis enough for his to stop the fight with 48 seconds remaining on the clock.

On the 12th February 2010, just one day before his best friend Kevin Mitchell had his eleventh title fight, when Kevin defended his WBO Inter-Continental Lightweight title, Michael took part in his first title fight of his pro-career, against Steve Williams the vacant English Light Welterweight belt.

After ten, very close, hard fought rounds the judges scorecards were read out showing a 95-96 and 94-97 (twice) victory for Williams. Michael found it hard to hide his disappointment and decided to take a little time away from the sport to consider his options.

Having a new found hunger for the sport Michael returned to training in earnest late in 2010 and is set to return to the ring on the 7th May at Graham Earl’s ‘Redemption Day’ double title headlined event at York Hall in London’s Bethnal Green.

Now we’re up to date on Michael’s career I’ll move on to the interview.

Rio - Hi Michael, Thank you for taking the time to talk with me today. Firstly could you tell us a little about your excellent amateur career?

Michael Grant - I won the ABAs in 2005. I’d got to the finals twice and the quarter finals before, which I thought I was robbed. I thought I should have been a four time ABA champion but that’s why I hated, no not hated because I did eventually become champion and I boxed for England. I boxed in South Africa, in Italy, Malaysia and quite a few countries.

In that sense it made me who I am today as I got the experience of fighting in different countries and I won the ABAs which was the highlight of my amateur career.

Rio- You are to campaign in the Lightweight division, throughout your pro-career you’ve been a Light Welter, what prompted the change of division?

Michael - In the last year as an amateur I was Light Welter, before that I had always been a Lightweight. The last bit of my amateur career I found it hard to make the weight, because obviously I like eating the chicken and stuff.

I was finding it a bit harder, then I was feeling a bit stronger at Light Welter as I was eating literally what I wanted and I was making the weight. But I was actually a Lightweight, I was Lightweight for a good seven years before I was at the ABAs, so I’ve naturally been a Lightweight.

Rio- Do you think the change of division will be more to your advantage?

Michael - The guys were bigger than me at Light Welter, now I’m likely to be the bigger at Lightweight. That’s the advantage, that’s what I can’t wait for because I feel strong now, stronger than I did at Light Welter and the guys I’m going to be fighting will be around the same size or even smaller so I’ve got a good advantage. I’ll be coming back as a strong hot prospect.

Rio - Your last fight at Light Welter was for the English title, are you looking to get back into championship contention as soon as possible?

Michael - At Lightweight I’m looking to go all the way. Johnny’s (Johnny Eames) has got me this fight, which was like lastminute.com, I just can’t wait to get back in there. I might not be fighting for much money but I’m just trying to get into the top ten Lightweight so Im happy to take any fights.

By the end of the year I want some kind of title, British title as soon as. I’ve seen the person that’s got it and I’ll smash him to pieces. I’m going to be straight this year is going to be an exciting year and next year even better.

Rio - You were unfortunate in that your last two fights ended in contentious losses for yourself, what are your thoughts on these?

Michael - Both my losses as a pro could have been avoided. My last one for the English title, looking back at it, I could have done more to make it more convincing.

The Prizefighter now I look back on that I don’t think really that was for me but I went in it and I thought I was winning until the referee stopped it.

I’d got the cut in the first round and the referee stopped it in the last minute of the last round, a bit dodgy there I thought. Yeah and it left a nice scar on my face.

Rio - Your back here at the TKO Boxing Gym now, there’s a lot of quality fighters here for sparring. Who have you been sparring recently?

Michael - When I first come back Colin (Lynes) was fighting so I did a few rounds with Colin. I’ve also been sparring with a couple of people from the gym, Sam (Standing), Ricky (Boylan) and in time I’ll be sparring with Kevin (Mitchell), my pal Kev I’ll be sparring with him ‘cos he’ll be fighting soon as well. I’ll be helping him and he’ll be helping me.

Yeah there’s always good sparring. That’s the best thing about being down here there’s always good sparring, even Lightweight or Light Welterweight. You’ve got Pat (McAleese) as well, I’ve been sparring with him, he’s heavier, he hits a lot harder. There’s all different type of sparring here, it’s great.

Rio - How has the time out affected you?

Michael - The time out I think was the best thing I could have done. Sometimes it can be the worse thing to do, but I think it is the best thing because that hunger’s come back, it’s come back with a vengeance.

I had a lot of things in my life that was there before, what shouldn’t have been in there that was distracting me and that’s all gone so I’ve got a career ahead and I’m a hundred and ten percent on my game this time and I’m going to make sure that everyone knows I’m back properly.

Rio- For people that have yet to see you fight how would you describe yourself?

Michael - I just see myself as…Quick and hard to hit, well I try to be hard to hit and quick. I’m in and out and I’ve developed some power. I’m going to be a lot stronger. I aint going to be always bang, bang, bang and off, I’m going to be standing there a lot more and looking to take people out.

Rio - Of all your career fights, both as a pro and amateur, which holds the fondest memories?

Michael - My favourite fight was when I was boxing for Finchley, I think it was in 2000 or 2001, and we boxed in Las Vegas. I boxed Julio Caesar Chavez’s nephew, I didn’t know at first who I was boxing. On the day I came out first obviously as the away fighter. All of a sudden all these cameras came out of nowhere, people cheering, lights going and then music come on, you don’t normally have music on an amateur show.

I looked at my corner and John Oliver, my coach, he was laughing and said ‘I didn’t want to tell you, but you’re fighting Julio Caesar Chavez’s nephew.’

I didn’t mind anyway and I looked down and there’s Julio Caesar at ringside watching, so that was an experience. Yeah I won as well so it was really special and I got the experience of fighting a Mexican which was good.

Rio- Thank you for talking with me today - finally is there anything you want to say to the readers

Michael - Watch out for me it’s gonna be a hell of a year.

I have to say that I agree with part of that last comment, the watch out for him part. As I had said in the build up to the interview Michael is an exceptional talent and with his new hunger as well as the maestro Johnny Eames orchestrating his career you can be sure that it is only going to be a very short time before Michael will be challenging for titles, both domestic and on the World scene.

Michael’s return to the ring, and his first professional bout as a Lightweight, will be on Graham Earl’s ‘Redemption Day’ event at York Hall on Saturday 7th May 2011 - which is co-headlined by Leon ‘Solid’ Williams versus Danny Couzens for the Southern Area Cruiserweight title and Paul Morby-Daniel Cadman II - the rematch - also for the Southern Area title, this time the Super Middleweight belt.

Between the three top bouts and a top quality, properly matched, undercard this is without doubt a don’t miss event - so don’t miss it, you’ll regret it.

Tickets for ‘Redemption Day’ event at the York Hall, Bethnal Green, London on Saturday 7th May 2011 on sale and priced £35 (Unreserved) or £60 (Ringside) and available on-line at www.tkoboxoffice.com or call in person at The TKO Boxing Gym, Gillian House, Stephenson Street, Canning Town, London E16 4SA. For further information call 07960 850645.

PHOTO CREDIT

Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro

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[ Video of the Day ] Tye Fields - Michael Grant

[ professional boxing ]

By Rio

London - Monday, 21st February 2011

Michael Grant Returns 5th March - Unleash The Fury @ York Hall

Tottenham’s Michael Grant is set to return to the ring, after a year long sabbatical from the sport, at the Steve Goodwin promoted ‘UNLEASH THE FURY’ mega event at York Hall in Bethnal Green, London, on Saturday 5th March 2011.

Michael, who was one of the most exciting young Light Welterweight prospects to explode on the British Boxing scene in the middle of the naughties, dropped from the radar back in February last year, following his surprising loss to Steve Williams at their clash for the vacant English title.

As the New Year dawned Michael reappeared at long time manager-trainer Johnny Eames’ Ultrachem TKO Boxing Gym in Canning Town and started training in earnest again.

With the news that TKO’s Nathan Weise had to drop out, of the 5th March show, MIchael instantly put himself forward as a replacement, and surprisingly deciding to enter the fray at Lightweight rather than his usual division.

Following sparring sessions, with TKO team mates ‘Pretty’ Ricky Boylan and Sam Standing, Michael explained why he took the break and also his switching to the Lightweight division, “There was a lot of things, outside boxing, that were happening in my life and I really needed to sort that out first. I can’t box if I’m not one hundred percent.

Everytime I get in the ring I want to be one hundred and ten percent but I couldn’t do that at the time. Yeah, now I’m back, and back in full effect.

I think I will be a lot stronger at Lightweight. At Light Welter I could handle the weight, I could compete against people at that weight even those that were a lot bigger than me, but I feel I’ll be even stronger at Lightweight.

They’re gonna be amazed, this time out is different. My attitude, my discipline to the sport, everything is different this time. It’s going to be amazing. everyone’s gonna be shocked when they see me back in.

This time as a Lightweight I’m gonna be stopping a lot more people and going all the way. Whether it’s 6, 10, 12 rounds it doesn’t matter, I feel a lot stronger in myself, mentally and physically. It’s gonna be mad, I can’t wait to get back in there.”

Michael Grant, against a yet to be named opponent, will be on the undercard of Toks Owoh versus Billy Boyle at the Steve Goodwin promoted ‘Unleash The Fury’ event at York Hall, Bethnal Green, London on Saturday 5th March 2011.

Main support for the Owoh-Boyle headliner features Michael’s Ultrachem TKO team mate - the exciting London based Dutch Cruiserweight - Mitchell Balker versus Doncaster hard man John Anthony.

The Unleash The Fury undercard features some of London’s best upcoming talents and includes yet another of Michael’s Ultrachem TKO Gym mates ‘Dynamo’ Daryl Setterfield against Birmingham’s Andrew ‘Paddy’ Patterson.

Minster. Kent Light Heavyweight Dan ‘Woody’ Woodgate gets his third outing against Retford’s Lee Nicholson and Waltham Abbey Light Welterweight Phil Gill looks to take his unbeaten run to ten against Aysham’s Scott Moises.

Luton Lightweight Michael ‘Chunky’ Devine makes his welcome return to the ring, following his coveted ‘0’ to Mark ‘The Flash’ Alexander last year, and will be looking to get back to winning ways against the highly experienced Daniel Thorpe.

Biggleswade Light Middleweight Jamie Boness will be looking to extend his unbeaten record against Guildford’s Louis Byrne and Woolwich Super Middleweight Eder Kurti faces Welsh banger Jamie Ambler.

Unbeaten, in twelve, Hackney Middleweight Wayne Alwan-Arab is set to face Tooting based Bulgarian Danny Dontchev.

Another of Michael’s Ultrachem TKO gym mates, Caine Brodie, also features on the card against a yet to be named opponent.

Making their pro debuts at ‘Unleash The Fury’ are Harlesden Lightweight Met Sekiraqa, against Robin Deakin and former World Kick Boxing Champion, Llir Canolli, from Cosavo, against a yet to be named opponent.

Tickets for Unleash The Fury at the York Hall, Bethnal Green, London on Saturday 5th March 2011 are on sale now - priced £35 (Unreserved) or £60 (Ringside).

For tickets call: 07960 850645, book on-line at www.tkoboxoffice.com or in person at The Ultrachem TKO Gym, Gillian House, Stephenson Street, Canning Town, London E16 4SA.

PHOTOS
Michael Grant
Michael Grant and Ricky Boylan spar at the Ultrachem TKO Gym in London

PHOTO CREDIT
Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro
JustListen2This Publicity & Promotion

London, UK & Philadelphia, USA

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