Sporting Club making a Hue and cry after setting up Malone contest

ATS off promoter Scott Murray for securing one of the very best prospects out there - rampaging Huey Malone - for this month's instalment of his plush Excelsior Sporting Club.

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Warren Leybourne lands a left into the face of Karl Sampson in their bout at the Holiday Inn

(PICTURE: STEPHEN WEBB/BCB)

That's quite a coup. To date, Malone's pro car has been played out on major TV arena shows.

On November 27, he’s swapping that for the intimate back tie and evening gown setting of the Excelsior, based at the Premier Suite, Cannock. That's quite a change.

“It’s all experience, a different sort of atmosphere,’ Coventry's Huey told me. “It’s a Thursday night in Cannock on a dinner show, but I'll bring a bit ofa crowd”

It's a special talent for a special evening - the Excelsior's annual St Andrew's Night extravaganza, with Murray celebrating his own Scottish heritage with haggis, bagpipes, whisky and a gourmet meal.

Super-lightweight Malone, managed by Matt Macklin and trained by Joe Gallagher, will fight in a six-rounder, the opponent yet to be announced.

Macklin and Gallagher's interest in the 22-year-old is understandable. Huey, a product of Christ the King ABC, enjoyed a glittering amateur career. 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.

He's two fights into a pro journey that began with major promotional force Queensberry, headed by legend Frank Warren. Surprisingly, Queensberry have decided to sever ties with Malone - simply, I presume, because of the sheer number of young boxers they handle.

The harsh reality is, there are only so many TV slots available, only so many prospects who can fill those slots. Something has to give.