Great Story from The York Hall, Saturday night...

Yassine El Maachi won a few fans this saturday night with what can be only described as a Rocky like upset of Kevin Concepcion at Bethnal Green.

The result in itself was fairly spectacular, Concepcion 13-0 (3ko's) was being moved along fairly confidently having gained the reputation as a non-punching, better boxing and more resiliant clone of his brother.

El Maachi just 2-4 (0ko's) had being pitched in at a good level from his debut and had proved to be determined and durable having lasted the course recently with Denton Vassell and Thomas McDonagh.

This ones definately for the story books but without dramatising what happened too much...

Before the contest El Maachi sat having his hands taped in the 'away' boxers changing room. So there he sat amongst the usual suspects of Peter Dunn and trainer plus a host of other fighters your never likely to hear of. In walks Frank Maloney busily ensuring everything was running smoothly. 'You've made a big mistake' pipes up El Maachi. Frank just laughed.... He'd heard this bravado a million times before.

'Whys that?' he played along, trying to keep the away fighters changing room bouyant for their upcoming public shoeing.

'Coz i'm going to knock him out!' El Maachi firmly stated.

Maloney still not convinced laughed off the suggestion that this 'nobody' could beat his star of the show 'No Chance' he joked.

'I'm telling you- I'm going to knock him out- I bet you a thousand pounds'

The busy room fell silent.

El Maachi trainer couldn't believe his ears- he knew El Maachi had arrived in London with barely a penny to his name. He continued wrapping El Maachi's hands without lifting his head to give El Maachi his deserved dissaproving look.

'So you want to bet your entire purse?' Maloney countered.

Quick as flash El Maahi replied 'Here's my hand- All or nothing!'.

Maloney agreed the terms, they shook hands- the bout would be double or nothing.

As El Maahi made his way to the ring EVERY trainer and fighter who had occupied his changing room followed. Secretly hoping this brave, no hoper with balls of steel would leave the ring at least with his dignity intact. That he did - he floored his popular opponent in round one and left Concepcion unable to defend himself midway through round two.

A great story.... Sorry I probably can't really convey it properly but for me thats one of the best little snippets i've heard this year. :good

 

As far as I know he kept his word... :good

 

I think Maloney would have paid El Maahi anyway to be fair.... Always seems a good fella Frank and he loves the sport from the grass roots up.