Boxing legend Frank Bruno has spoken of his devastation following the death of his close friend and former ring fighter Mark Kaylor. Mark, who won the prestigious ABA title in 1980 and represented Great Britain at this year’s Olympic Games in Moscow, died on Sunday at the age of 64.
Kaylor and Bruno rose through the ranks together, training alongside each other and often appearing on the same fight cards. Tragedy struck on Frank’s birthday, when he too was 64, leaving the boxing icon heartbroken. The former heavyweight champion said: “RIP Mark Kaylor – we trained together in different gyms and quite often ended up on the same bill as I came through the ranks. I’m a huge West Ham United fan from memory. It was very moving for me that he died on my birthday at the age of 64, which is the age I am now.”
Kaylor came agonizingly close to winning an Olympic medal in Moscow after a controversial split-decision loss in the quarterfinals. Born in Canning Town, East London, Mark won British and Commonwealth titles before retiring from boxing in 1996 and moving to California, where he taught boxing and was even an aerobics instructor.
Reflecting on his career in one of his first interviews after retirement, Kaylor said: “Boxing was a fantastic part of my life. I met so many decent people. The good far outweighed the bad. I feel very fortunate to have been able to do something I loved so much for so much of my life.”
Kaylor, a die-hard West Ham United fan, was born in Canning Town and raised in Stanford-le-Hope, Essex, before returning to his birthplace as a teenager to pursue his boxing dreams.
Joining West Ham Boxing Club, he won the prestigious ABA England Boxing National Championships trophy in 1980 and in the same year he competed in the Moscow Olympics, reaching the quarter-finals.
Kaylor’s professional career saw him proudly wearing his claret and blue shorts in the ring, supported by a legion of fellow West Ham fans.
His notable victories included defeating Roy Gumbs within five rounds to win the British and Commonwealth titles in September 1983, and a knockout victory over Errol Christie in November 1985 after a fierce competition.
In 1991, Kaylor retired with an impressive record of 40-7-1 (34 KOs).
West Ham United released a heartfelt statement yesterday expressing deep sadness at the news of Kaylor’s death: “Everyone at West Ham United was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former British and Commonwealth middleweight boxing champion Mark Kaylor at the age of 64.
“Kaylor, a keen Hammers supporter, was born in Canning Town and raised in Stanford-le-Hope, Essex, returning to Canning Town as a teenager to improve his boxing prospects.
“After joining West Ham Boxing Club, he won the revered trophy of the 1980 ABA England National Amateur Boxing Championships and went on to compete in that year’s Olympic Games in Moscow, where he reached the quarter-finals,” the tribute continued.
“Kaylor went on to have a successful professional career during which he wore maroon and maroon shorts in the ring and was duly supported by a huge number of fellow West Ham fans.
“He defeated Roy Gumbs in five rounds to win the British and Commonwealth titles in September 1983, and was involved in a feisty rivalry with Errol Christie that ended with a knockout victory over another Briton in November 1985.
“In 1991, Kaylor retired with a record of 40-7-1 (34 KOs), after which he moved to the USA and took a job as an aerobics instructor in California. Everyone at West Ham United would like to express our genuine condolences to Mark’s family and friends at this unhappy time.”
Jaron Ennis is the bookmakers’ main favorite to defeat Xander Zayas in their highly anticipated world title clash on Saturday in Brooklyn.
Ennis challenges Zayas for the WBO and WBA super welterweight belts at the Barclays Center live on DAZN pay-per-view.
The undefeated resident of Philadelphia enters the game as the favorite on February 11 Bet365 give the 23-year-old his first professional defeat and become world champion in two weight categories.
“Boots” has stopped 31 of his 35 opponents, including Uisma Lima in his 154-pound debut in October, and is expected to stop the Puerto Rican on 20/21.
The 28-year-old last covered this distance in 2024, and a decision victory is valued at 13/2.
Zayas and Ennis face to face before the clash. Photo: Matchroom Boxing
Even though Zayas has taken over as unified champion, he is an underdog Bet365 at 15/04.
Man from San Juan defeated Abass Baraou by split decision will add the WBA belt to his WBO crown in January and his best chance of victory is rated at 13/2 by decision, while success in the shock break is rated at 14/1.
Jaron Ennis knocked out Uisma Lima in the first round in Philadelphia. Photo: Emma Brawley/Matchroom Boxing
Full Bet365 odds
The result of the fight
Xander Zayas will win the fight: 15/4
Xander Zayas by KO/TKO/DQ: 14/1
Xander Zayas by decision or technical decision: 13/2
Jaron Ennis will win the fight: 11/02
Jaron Ennis by KO/TKO/DQ: 20/21
Jaron Ennis by decision or technical: 8/5
Draw or technical draw: 14/1
Round bets
Xander Zayas
Win in round 1: 100/1
Win in round 2: 100/1
Win in round 3: 100/1
Win in round 4: 100/1
Win in round 5: 100/1
To win in round 6: 100/1
To win in round 7: 80/1
To win in round 8: 80/1
To win round 9: 66/1
To win in round 10: 66/1
To win round 11: 66/1
To win in round 12: 80/1
To win by decision or technical decision: 6/1
Zayas won by points decision over Abass Baraou. Source: Mikey Williams / top position
Jaron Ennis
To win round 1: 80/1
Win in round 2: 50/1
Win in round 3: 40/1
To win in round 4: 28/1
To win in round 5: 20/1
To win in round 6: 16/1
Win in round 7: 12/12
To win in round 8: 1/11
To win in round 9: 10/1
To win in round 10: 10/1
To win in round 11: 10/1
To win in round 12: 1/11
Win by Decision or Technical Decision: 7/4
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On Wednesday, Lewis Crocker heads to Australia to defend his IBF welterweight world title against Liam Paro for the first time.
Crocker will face Paro at the Pat Rafter Arena in Queensland, live on DAZN in the UK and Kayo Sports in Australia.
Crocker (22-0, 11 KO) became world champion in September, defeating Paddy Donovan twice before winning the rematch by split decision.
Man from Belfast recorded his second victory over Donovan after the first victory in March last year, and his rival was disqualified for hitting him after the bell.
Paro (27-1, 16 KO) is trying to become a world champion in two weight categories, having previously reigned in the super-lightweight division.
In September, Donovan was beaten a second time by Crocker. Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
The 30-year-old won the title with a unanimous decision victory over Subriel Matias in Puerto Rico before winning the belt in his first defense against Richardson Hitchins.
The Australian has since won twice, overtaking David Papot in his last appearance in September.
Paro looks like a two-time IBF champion. Photo: Melina Pizano/Matchroom
McKean meets Taliva
Heavyweight Demsey McKean will look to continue his rebuild when he faces Liam Talivaa for the vacant IBF Pan Pacific title.
McKean (24-2, 16 KO) had his career cut miniature after a last-round loss to Filip Hrgovic, followed by a brutal first-round loss to Moses Itauma.
The 35-year-old southpaw returned to winning ways with back-to-back stoppage victories.
Talivaa (8-2, 4 KO) last won the IBF Oceania-Orient title, defeating Faiga Opelu by first-round stoppage.
Undercard remaining
At cruiserweight, Luke Modini (13-0, 11 KO) will likely need distance to beat Peng Qu (17-2-1, 12 KO), while Riley Candy (8-1, 5 KO) could stop Nathan Watson (11-3, 3 KO) at super middleweight.
Vegas Larfield (13-1, 9 KO) can hand Shamal Ram Anuj (11-8, 8 KO) his fourth defeat in a row in a featherweight clash.
Heavyweight Nelson Asofa-Solomon (2-0, 2 KO) can secure a third straight knockout over debutant George Burgess, and Stevan Ivic (8-0-1, 2 KO) can do the same against Caleb Tialu (3-7, 3 KO), also a heavyweight.
Prospective super welterweight fighter Jack Javed (1-0) should overtake Lance McDonald (1-5-1, 1 KO).
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