Jeffries set for pro debut

Olympic bronze medallist Tony Jeffries will step into a professional ring for the first time on February 27.

British Olympian will fight on February 27

Olympic Bronze medallist Tony Jeffries will compete in his first professional fight at the Barnsley Metrodome on February 27. The Sunderland fighter signed his first professional contract in November with promoter Dennis Hobson, but now switches to fight under the Frank Maloney banner. Jeffries admitted he was initially won over by a big-money offer, but is now in the right place to build a successful career. "I tuned pro in November but with Dennis Hobson," Jeffries said. "Dennis Hobson offered us that much money I never thought about the package that came with it. He never did anything for us really."

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The 23-year-old said that Maloney "ticked every box" he needed from a promoter. "It's great. I'm really glad. It couldn't work out better really," he added. Jeffries has been working with trainer Joe Gallagher over the Christmas and New Year period - and he believes that in time the Olympian can compete at the highest level. "He hits hard with either hand, I've nicknamed him TNT. He's just got to knuckle down and take time. It's a marathon not a sprint," Gallagher said. Maloney is also confident that his new charge can eventually fight for international honours, after progressing through the British and Commonwealth ranks. He said: "I think he can go all the way. "I needed one more fighter to complete my jigsaw. I've got the track record, I've got the pedigree but I need the fighters to work with and I think I've got the fighters."