http://www.frankmaloney.com/index.php/news/38-main-news/607-hw-factor-championship FRANK MALONEY and Fighters Inc are launching a dynamic new boxing tournament for novice heavyweights. The eight-man competition will begin later this year with the grand final being held at London’s ExCel on 2nd June 2012 at the prestigious Seni Show/BoxFair. Maloney and Fighters Inc chief Joe Long have been working on the exciting competition for several months and believe they will discover Britain’s next great heavyweight over the coming months. Maloney found Britain’s first world heavyweight champion for more than 100 years in Lennox Lewis and the search is on again. The fighters will be drawn into two groups of four and compete against each rival in their division over four action packed rounds. The first matches will take place in November, round two is being held in January and the last group encounters are next March. The winners of each division will meet in a big money final and the victor crowned ‘HW Factor Champion 2012’. He will also be handed a lucrative three-year promotional deal with Maloney and take the first steps towards fame and fortune. The runners-up in each group will also meet on finals night when Maloney and Fighters Inc will stage a gala night of heavyweight boxing at the Excel. Everybody attending the final will enter a draw to win two tickets for the finals of the 2012 Olympics. Maloney said: “Joe and myself have been working on a concept that will freshen up boxing and give novice fighters the chance to earn some recognition. “It will be a fan friendly tournament with a points system and cash bonuses encouraging boxers to go for knockouts and stoppages.” Long added: “This is the sort of competition will earn boxing recognition and get fans and fighters talking. “It will be vibrant and energetic from the first bell in November to the winners’ hand being raised at next summer.” Maloney and Long will advertise for boxers wishing to enter the fast and furious tournament on forums and trade papers during the next few weeks. To qualify, potential entrants must have had five or less professional contests or be someone wishing to turn professional. The great eight will be selected by Maloney, Long and their experienced teams and then invited to sign up. The divisional draws and order of fights will be made at a press conference two weeks before the opening night. It is hoped London’s Mermaid Theatre will host the early stages of the competition, although this is still to be confirmed. hmmmmm:think
Just a sideshow, the top couple might or might not do anything down the track, but really this barely counts as a tournament, surely? Wouldn't the eight contestants probably be fighting that level of opposition anyway at that stage in their careers? So it might not be pretty to watch - no disrespect to any of the eventual participants, but if they are complete rookies they will be learning their craft, so it might not make for much of a mainstream fan spectacle. Reminds me a little of Audley having his first pro fights on a big stage. Didn't do wonders for him...
Kind of reminds me how they organised tournaments for the next great white hope to beat Johnson during his reign. Now it feels like we are doing the same to hope that a half decent heavyweight might come of it. Basically any decent sized white farmhand who could throw a punch were put into elimination tournaments. But all were hopelessly poor. I will wait to judge in this case however I give Maloney kudos for organising this and trying something different. Cash prized like UFC could be an interesting addition and at least the novice fighters will be fighting each others rather than waiting 10-15 fights see Price Dallas.
Cash prizes? Damn, i might add a few pounds and go for this! Only problem is I'm 5ft 7. Might end up looking like this guy This content is protected
The question is can they find 8 novice heavyweights of a decent standard which will make for half decent viewing?
That's the key for me! They could easily find some pretty shocking HW's and stick them in a tournament, which would be absolutely horrible to watch. It would be nice if there was a weight restriction (ie these guys have to come in the ring looking in semi decent shape), otherwise it might just look like a night out in the east end. At least he is trying something. Good on him
In theory it has potential I suppose any heavyweight in the ams that is thinking about turning pro and has boxed to a decent level this would be the time to turn pro get some exposure and some cash. Then i expect we will get the more mature heavyweights entering as well but a decent mix is important. This would probably be a good format at lower weights where you might be able to get some top ams and young pros to bite. But heavyweight in general doesnt have decent depth. It has potential though
cheers mate...dunno how to work that out though! haha...just googled it....... Fighters who weigh over 200 pounds (14 st 4 lb/91 kg) are considered heavyweights by the major professional boxing organizations... i need 4 lbs of pure muscle and ill enter the ****!......... i cant be worse than the excuse you see for couch potato fat twat heavy's nowadays picking up a pay packet!
FYI, there isnt a minimum weight for Heavy. Hypothetically, a middleweight could fight at HW, although no-one would ever sanction the fight
if they wait they might get a few half decent amateur heavys turning pro. Price has already turned so would be a good participant, I think the GB team is between Vallily and Baister with Vallily edging it so could see one or both turning pro soon enough. A couple of others and maybes a couple who have 1-5 fights already under their belt (not overweight wannabees) and it could be interesting. problem is will these guys want to fight each other straight away when they can spend the next 3-4 years fight latvians and journeymen?
**** name and concept i wasnt expecting. Thought something was up when i saw frank advertising for heavyweights to feature in a tournament. Like as said above will he find novice fighters of a standard people will want to watch, no one wants to watch something drawn out over several months of low quality. Hope im wrong but i feel a bit disapointed it isnt the likes of Price, Big john and perez etc to sort out whos number 1 before facing fury