MALONEY TEAMS UP WITH McCRORY

TO TARGET NORTH EAST

Frank Maloney has teamed up with former world cruiserweight champion Glenn McCrory in a bid to bring world class boxing to England’s North East.

Maloney, who 12 days ago co-promoted Ricky Hatton’s ‘Homecoming’ bout at the City of Manchester Stadium believes the North East and its passionate sportsmen and women will embrace the emergence of top-flight boxing in the region.

“I see big potential in this area,” said Maloney.

“I’ve always looked at the North East as a place where they make their sporting icons into heroes – the likes of Alan Shearer, Kevin Keegan and the rest – and then back them.

“They would get behind a boxer just like the country has got behind Ricky.”

McCrory, who in June 1989 beat Patrick Lumumba to bag the vacant IBF cruiserweight crown, believes that by building a solid foundation it will allow the area’s undoubted wealth of young talent to reach its full potential.

“There is plenty of talent in the amateurs in the North East and Newcastle,” said McCrory.

“My aim is to bring in a big-name promoter and someone with that cache to help nurture the talent here.

“I’ve known Frank since I was young and I wish he’d managed me and promoted me.

“He’s the ideal person to have – his contacts are superb, he knows his talent and he sees real potential in the region.”