FROM BEACH BUM TO BRITISH CHAMP

Hall weighs in for tonight’s defence against Power

STUEY HALL has revealed how he transformed from scraping a living in Ibiza to becoming an unlikely professional boxing champion.

The Darlington boxer, 30, makes the first defence of his British bantamweight title when he faces old rival Martin Power (21-5) at Rainton Meadows Arena, Houghton-Le-Spring on Friday (July 23).

A few years ago, Hall (8-0-1) quit boxing after getting disillusioned with the amateur code and moved to the lager louts playground working in bars and giving out leaflets to tourists.

But when Hall moved back home, well overweight, he re-kindled his love of boxing and the hard work paid off last month when he stunned Ian Napa to win the Lonsdale belt.

The roofer said: “I had a few knock-backs as an amateur, packed it in and went to Ibiza for five years. I was ducking and diving, anything to makes ends meet.

The weigh in video for tonights Maloney boxing Card

“It was brilliant. I was away from home and I went for it – clubbing, drinking, you name it. It was only when I came back to England that I realised how much I’d let myself go.

“For the first time in my life I really stuck at it. I went to Leeds for sparring sessions and my career really took off.

“I turned pro and spoke about a Lonsdale belt. That became the target and nothing else mattered. My trainer/manager Mike Marsden was able to give me one-to-one attention and so much of my success is down to him.”

Hall and Power first waged war last September when the north-east fighter stopped the Londoner in the eighth round of a thrilling battle.

On the same bill Crook’s Nigel Wright (21-6) who conquered former world champion Alex Arthur in his last battle contests the vacant English light-welterweight crown against Wolverhampton’s Dean Harrison (16-3).

Olympic bronze medallist Jeffries (7-0) continues his march to the top when he steps up to eight round class and meets Staines based Pole Michael Banbula (10-25-3)

Tickets for the big night of action, price £30 and £70 are available from 0871 226 1508 or www.frankmaloney.com

British Boxers Prediction: Hall 8th round stoppage