Despite Storm Aileen’s departure, last seen whistling towards the Netherlands, the North Notts Arena in Worksop will experience its own ‘Thunder & Lightning’ on September 17 as JE Promotions, in association with Scott Calow Boxing, hosts an eight-fight card featuring five unbeaten prospects, local hero Darren Snow, and the eagerly-anticipated return of “Razor” Rod Smith.
The exciting card promoted by former pro Joe Elfidh will be the fifth JE Promotions event at the popular East Midlands venue.
Middleweight prospect “Razor” Rod Smith (7-1) finally makes his return to the ring after almost two-years away.
The Sheffield-born boxer’s only career loss came at the hands of Welshman Tom Doran in a final eliminator for the British middleweight title way back in November 2015, which was Smith’s last appearance in the ring.
The 160-pounder, who once turned down the chance of playing professional football with Sheffield United, now makes his comeback against Edgars Sniedze (5-19).
The Latvian will be full of confidence having KO’d prospect Barney Joe Jones in his last fight in front of his own fans at the York Hall last May. The North European is the number 1 ranked super-middleweight in his native country, having never lost a fight at home.
Smith’s best scalp so far is a points win over three-time Commonwealth title contender Liam Cameron in his fifth fight in December 2013. He will be keen to get back to that level of competition as soon as possible.
Dinnington’s Darren Snow (5-15-1), known as the ‘Road Warrior’, has won every fight at the arena, which has become known as a fortress to his army of fans.
The 35-year-old light-heavyweight was a former unlicensed champion before turning pro. He recently shared the ring with rising prospect Anthony Yarde last April in front of the BT Sport cameras.
“Snowy” takes part in a four-round light-heavyweight contest against an opponent yet to be named.
Armthorpe’s Kyle Fox (2-0) will be looking to make it a hat-trick of wins against Rudolf Durica (1-11) as he steps up to six-rounds for the first time.
The Slovakian doesn’t have a good track record with JE Promotion’s boxers, his only career knockout defeat coming from Louis Greene, also signed to Joe Elfidh.
Fox, a former Yorkshire amateur boxing champion, will be eager to record his first stoppage having had previous opponent down twice in his last fight in July.
The 23-year-old’s success as an amateur – crowned Yorkshire champion four times as both junior and senior – is so far continuing into the paid ranks.
Hassan “The Hurricane” Ahmad (6-0) fights under the JE Promotions banner for the first time when he takes on Margate’s Ricky Leach (3-20-1) in his first fight back following a three-year hiatus.
The Yemeni-born boxer has not fought since 2014 due to frustrating contract issues with former manager Dennis Hobson.
The unbeaten 24-year-old from Darnall is trained by Chris Smedley and Steve Barnes at Lower Manor Boxing Club, which also houses Liam Cameron and English super-lightweight contender Nicki Smedley.
Exciting debutant Chris Reyes (0-0) finally gets to make his pro bow after a series of delays.
The flyweight from Staffordshire, originally born in the Philippines, is an ex-army boxing champion.
Also appearing on the show is 21-year-old cruiserweight Dan Cooper (5-0-1) who tackles Jiri Svacina (12-25) over six-rounds.
Derby’s 19-year-old lightweight Sahib “Saby” Mann (3-0) has a four-rounder against a confident Ibrar Riyaz (6-125-4), who upset home fighter Darren “The Terminator” Townley in his last fight in July.
Lincoln’s Jordan McLoughlin (2-0), 26-years-old, has his third fight against Sheffield’s Nathan Hardy (5-15-2) in a four-round welterweight contest.
Super-welterweight Omari Grant (1-0) will be aiming to double his win tally in another four-rounder.
For tickets to the show, visit https://www.facebook.com/JEsportsnetwork/ or call 07539 171160
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