Salam faces Fry at York Hall

17 January 2008
TONY SALAM, the explosive light heavyweight prospect, has been matched with former Commonwealth Games Gold medal winner Courtney Fry on promoter Frank Maloney's February 1 bill at York Hall, Bethnal Green.

It's a promising match up between a pair of dangerous punchers - Salam is currently unbeaten in seven pro fights, while former Repton amateur Fry has lost just one of 11 outings.

Former ABA champion Salam established his winning run under the Maloney promotional banner while successfully studying for a Sports Science degree at the East London University in Stratford.

Fry, 32, claimed his Commonwealth medal alongside Repton clubmate Audley Harrison at Kuala Lumpar 10 years ago.

He suffered his lone pro defeat, a points setback against Ovill McKenzie, over four rounds in 2005.

Last October, Salam scored a six-round points win over former Commonwealth champion McKenzie.

Whoever finishes first in their clash will be pressing for a British title meeting against the winner of the top-of-the-bill duel between Peter Haymer and Tony Oakey.

Oakey brought new life to his career by becoming British champion last year with a stoppage of Steve Spartacus.

Oakey and Haymer met at York Hall in June 2005, with the latter earning a single-point victory.

Oakey, originally from Portsmouth, currently trains at the TKO gym in Canning Town under the guidance of east Londoner Johnny Eames.

Also featured on the York Hall promotion are Newham's Jamie Radford - another member of the TKO gym squad - and former Dagenham amateur Ross Hewitt.

The promising duo both showed impressive form by winning on the undercard at Maloney's December tournament at Newham Leisure Centre.

Scott Walford, Lee Cook, John McDermott, Akash Bhattia and Henry Castle are all named for action on Maloney's first York Hall show of the year.