Huey's ticking all the boxes so far

THE MIDLAND BOXING BEAT WITH MIKE LOCKLEY

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ORMER amateur star Huey Malone - already tipped for big things in the paid ranks - is looking to fight again in November.

That will be bout number three for a 23-year-old guided by the best in the business: he’s managed by former world middleweight title contender Matt Macklin, promoted by Frank Warren and trained by Joe Gallagher whose Manchester gym is crammed with champs.

The high hopes harboured for super-lightweight Huey - I’m old school and will always refer to the division as light-welter - are understandable.

Trained by dad Brendan at Coventry’s Christ the King club, he won pretty much every amateur accolade going.

He represented England nine times, winning eight, was part of the Team GB setup for a year-and-a-half, won three national ABA titles — two as a senior - and three GB titles. In all, he lost only nine of 68 contests.

That's the CV of a pro star in the making.

Brendan told me: “It's about getting used to the pros. He’s concentrating on his strength, he’s looking good. He's looking big, filling out, but still looking to go down in weight. The next fight will be at super-light, then go down to lightweight”

It's very early days, but so far Huey has ticked all the boxes. Last time, as usually durable Karl Sampson was sunk in two by body punches.

It is, Brendan stressed, too early to talk about titles.

“We trust Joe (Gallagher),” he said, “he knows the business better than I do. Huey’s at six-round level, but I think he cruises eight rounds. If something came along, I’m sure Joe would jump at the chance, but now it’s about getting rounds.