Super Flyweight sensation Michael Maguire’s much anticipated return to the ring earlier this month failed to materialize, following opponent Najah Ali’s having to withdraw the day before they were due to face each other on the undercard of the Lee Selby-John Simpson British and Commonwealth title clash.
Earlier today Francis and George Warren announced that the match up, between the former Junior European Champion Maguire and 2004 Olympian Ali, will now take place on the undercard of Maguire’s TRAD TKO team mate Leon ‘Solid’ Williams British Cruiserweight title defense, against Southern Area Champ Tony ‘The Conqueror’ Conquest, at York Hall in London on Friday 13th January 2012.
Following a full on sparring session with Super Featherweight George Jupp, who is also on the card on the 13th, former World under-nineteen #1 Maguire said, “Najah had the flu so obviously couldn’t fight me then, so we’ll fight on January 13th instead.
He’ll be fitter, he’ll be training hard to try and beat me, which he wont because I’m going all the way to the top.
I’ve started training hard so I’m ready for the new date. I’ve been sparring George Jupp, I really rate him, he’s really good. He’s two or three weights above me and I can stand and trade with him, which is good
Also been sparring with Martin (Power), he’s all right, you know what I mean, he’s strong on the inside but too easy to pick off.
I’m 22, I’ve always cheated myself in life yet still won my fights, now I’m doing everything right so I come back better and better.
It’s hard being away from my family over Christmas but I just have to knuckle down and do all the stuff that I hadn’t done before and it’ll pay off so it’s worth it. I’m taking this return serious, no messing I’m going all out to beat Najah on the 13th.”
Michael Maguire versus Najah Ali features on the undercard of Leon ‘Solid’ Williams British Cruiserweight title defense against Tony ‘Conqueror’ Conquest which headlines Francis and George Warren’s Queensberry Promotions first event of the New Year, which takes place at York Hall, Bethnal Green, London, on Friday 13th January 2012 and broadcast live on BoxNation (Sky platform Channel 456 & Virgin 546)
Tickets, Standard Seated £40 and Ringside SOLD OUT for Williams vs. Conquest are available now on-line at www.tkoboxoffice.com. Tickets are also available direct from the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym, Gillian House, Stephenson Street, Canning Town, London E16 4SA.