FIGHT RECORD

The Zimbabwe-born prospect first laced a pair of boxing gloves at the age of 13 before joining former coach Tony Whitby at the Middlesbrough ABC. Maphosa won around 60 of his estimated 75 amateur bouts, highlighted by a Golden Belt tournament win in Romania and a World Series of Boxing appearance against Cuba.

“I’ve got a lot to thank Tony for. I learned a lot from him and he brought me through in boxing and really helped to get me where I am today. It was more about in and out boxing in the amateurs, but I’ve slowed myself down and I think the longer distances like six and eight rounds will suit me more.”