Tony Jeffries and trainer have falling out
Today it was confirmed that light heavyweight prospect Tony Jeffries has formally split with trainer Bobby Rimmer after working with him for 18 months.
For his next bout, Jeffries, an Olympic bronze medallist, is being trained by Sean Casey. He is scheduled to fight on 11 Sept. It is expected that after the bout an official announcement will be made regarding a full-time trainer.
Jeffries (7-0) is one of the most hailed English light heavyweight prospects.
His promoter, Frank Maloney, recently said: “The split is no reflection on the job Bobby has done with Tony since they teamed-up. I rate Bobby highly and I hope to continue our good working relationship.” He continued: “He [Bobby Rimmer] already trains British light-middleweight title contender, Brian Rose who I co-promote, and hopefully there will be other fighters he can work together with.”
At the 2007 World Amateur Boxing Championships, Jeffries beat Christopher Downs and Ramazan Magomedov, but lost to Kazakhstan southpaw Yerkebuian Shynaliyev. However, he still managed to qualify for the 2008 Olympics, becoming the first ever boxer from Tyne and Wear to do so. His bronze medal was the result of a loss to Irish boxer Kenny Egan in the semi-finals.
“Everyone involved with Tony’s career would like to thank Bobby for all the sacrifices he has made for Tony.”
Maloney hinted that Jeffries’s future may lay with an American trainer. “When Tony was in America on holiday I arranged for him to meet with some well known trainers I have personal knowledge of. He enjoyed meeting them, but I have to emphasise no decision has been taken yet. It will be made immediately after the next contest.”
Maloney was quick to add that Jeffries’s temporary trainer, Casey, will make sure that “Tony is well prepared for next week’s test.”
Not yet named, Jeffries’s opponent is said to be announced in the next 48 hours.
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