Ashley Theophane (born 30 August 1980) is a British professional boxer[2] He held the British super-lightweight title from 2011 to 2012 and challenged for the WBA super-lightweight title in 2016.

Ashley Theophane
Born (1980-08-30) 30 August 1980 (age 43)
Paddington, London, England
NationalityBritish
Other namesTreasure
Statistics
Weight(s)
Height5 ft 8 in (173 cm) [1]
Reach67 in (170 cm)
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights60
Wins50
Losses9
Draws1

He has fought and won in 12 countries and headlined in Las Vegas. He was a five-year member of Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s Mayweather Promotions in Las Vegas. He has achieved 50 professional victories during a 17-year career.

He is now an author with his biography, Raised By The Hood, in which he tells the story of his life from the mean streets of London to the bright lights of Las Vegas.

Professional boxing career edit

Early professional career edit

Theophane made his professional debut at the York Hall, London on 3 June 2003, defeating Lee Bedell. He beat an experienced journeyman, Brian Coleman, in his next fight on 22 July 2003, and won a further five contests throughout 2004 giving him a record of 7–0 at the end of the year. In his first fight of 2005 on 26 March, Theophane suffered his first defeat to Judex Meema at the Empire Theatre in Hackney, losing on points over six rounds. The rest of the year had mixed results with four more wins including two contests with journeyman David Kehoe and a win each over Duncan Cottier and Jus Wallie but with another defeat, this time to Oscar Milkitas on 18 November, again on points although this time over 4 rounds.[3]

In his first fight of 2006 and now with a record of 11–2 Theophane drew with Daniel Thorpe at the Excel Arena in London's Docklands. The rest of the year saw six more fights and six more wins including three victories fighting in Germany, the latter a win on 2 December against Omar Siala, was for the lightly regarded Global Boxing Council welterweight title at the IFCO Arena in Berlin. At the end of the year Theophane's record stood at 17-2-1 and on the verge of a challenge for the British title.[3]

Boxing abroad edit

On 20 January 2007 Theophane defeated Alan Bosworth in a British title eliminator at the Alexandra Palace in Wood Green, stopping him in the 7th round. The title opportunity was not to come however and Theophane traveled to Saint Lucia for his next fight, a win over Marcos Hernandez on 16 November, 10 months after his last contest with Bosworth. He finished the year with a return to the York Hall and a win over journeyman Rocky Muscas on 1 December.[3]

On 15 February 2008 Theophane traveled to Connecticut in the United States and fought his toughest opponent to date, the Frenchman Ali Oubaali. Despite having Oubaali down in the 6th round, Theophane suffered his third defeat on points over 10 rounds to a man who had previously contested both the French national title and the full European title at super featherweight.[4] He returned to the York Hall on 15 June 2008 and returned to winning ways with a win over Geoffrey Munika, and then headed back to the US for what would prove to be a biggest win of his career so far. The fight in Rochester, New York on 31 July 2008 pitched Theophane against experienced former world champion DeMarcus Corley and ended in an 8-round decision win for the Londoner. Despite the victory, the year ended with Theophane once again fighting at the York Hall and beating journeyman Matt Scriven on 6 December, finishing the year with a record of 23–3–1.[5]

Theophane's first fight of 2009 saw him beat former Commonwealth champion and European title challenger Craig Docherty at the York Hall and this was followed up on 21 June with a win over rookie Mark Douglas for what would be his only fights of the year. On 26 February 2010 he returned to the states and fought the undefeated Danny Garcia at the Don Haskins Convention Centre in El Paso, Texas. The fight ended with a fourth career defeat for Theophane, and with Garcia extending his winning record to 16-0 although only by a split decision.[6]

On 19 June 2010 Theophane returned to Germany and to winning ways, picking up a title for good measure; The fight in Burghausen represented a first contest of 12 rounds for Theophane and returned a majority decision for the Londoner against Harasch Hotaki from Afghanistan for the IBO international welterweight title.[7] Theophane followed the victory up on 30 July 2010 with another fight in the States, this time in Oklahoma, and defeated the Dominican Republic's USBA welterweight title holder and former IBF world title challenger Delvin Rodriguez for another majority decision this time over 10 rounds.[8][9] On 10 October 2010 Theophane returned to England and scored a points victory over Willie Thompson in a show at the York Hall winning 60–55 in a six-round contest.

Theophane won the lightly regarded GBC world welterweight title on 28 December 2012 in Luxembourg for the second time.[10]

British champion edit

On 19 February 2011, Theophane won the British title at London's Wembley Arena. His opponent, the reigning champion Lenny Daws, was making the third defence of the belt. Despite a slow start, Theophane came on strongly in the second half of the fight and knocked Daws down twice in the 9th round, eventually winning 115–111, 115–111 and 115–112 on the judges' scorecards.[11] Prior to the fight with Daws, Theophane told how he had spent his time training between New York and London and sparring the likes of Dmitry Salita, Steve Williams and Liam Walsh. Speaking of his confidence in terms of winning the fight, Theophane said "I feel like I am dropping down a couple of levels to face Daws but his team bombarded me and my management with emails when I was in America trying to organise this fight, so let's get it on!".[12]

On 23 July 2011 Theophane made the first defence of his title, beating Jason Cook at the Wembley Arena with a 10th round stoppage. Following the fight, Theophane signed a three-year promotional deal with Hatton Promotions with Ricky Hatton describing him as a "world class boxer".[13] Theophane's second defence should have been against Nigel Wright in Peterlee but a late notice pull out resulted in a change of opponent with only two days notice with Ben Murphy stepping in. The fight took place on 10 December 2011, with Theophane suffering a gruelling opening assault only to break Murphy down in the later rounds to win with an 11th round stoppage.[14]

Training abroad edit

Theophane has been training abroad since August 2005. He trained at Gleason's gym in Brooklyn which is the oldest gym in America. Theophane has sparred world champions Joan Guzman, Alex O'Shea, Elio Rojas, Yuri Foreman, Paul Malignaggi, and Argenis Mendez at Gleason's. For his big fights, except his fight against former world champion DeMarcus Corley, he has had a training camp at Gleason's gym.

Mayweather Promotions edit

Theophane trained alongside Floyd Mayweather and was taken under the wing of Mayweather Promotions.[15][16][17][18][19]

On 1 April 2016 he lost against Adrien Broner by ninth-round TKO in a fight for the WBA light-welterweight title.[20]

Ashley spent 5 years signed to Mayweather Promotions. From August 2013 to May 2018. He fought on three Floyd Mayweather undercards at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Ashley is amongst the few British fighters to headline in Las Vegas. December 2016 saw him achieve his 40th professional victory at the Sams Town Casino.

He trained at the Mayweather Boxing Club for three years with US Olympian Nate Jones then two years with former world champion, Lou Del Valle.

Broner vs. Theophane edit

On February 19, 2016, Premier Boxing Champions announced that Broner would defend his WBA light welterweight title against British veteran boxer Ashley Theophane (39–6–1, 11 KO) on April 1 at D.C. Armory in Washington, DC live on Spike. Broner was stripped ahead of the fight, for missing the 140-pound limit. Broner defeated Theophane by TKO in the 9th round. Before the stoppage by referee Luis Pabon, Broner was leading on the scorecards 78–74, 78–74, and 77–75. After the fight, Broner called out Floyd Mayweather Jr., as tensions between the former friends had increased in the past months, due to comments about TMT (The Money Team) by Broner.

Theophane vs Amidu edit

His comeback fight came against Yakubu Amidu. Amidu won some rounds, but ultimately Theophane was the better man. Despite being behind on the scorecards, Amidu didn't fight with any urgency even in the last round, which Theophane clearly won, cementing the win via unanimous decision.[21]

World Tour edit

Ashley parted company with Mayweather Promotions, a year early than his 3-year extended contract due to lack of fights over the two previous years.

He went on a world tour which saw him, fighting and winning in Germany, US, Hungary twice, Ghana, Poland, Mexico, Romania, Denmark and UAE from December 2017 to October 2019.

On 5 October 2019, Theophane squared off against veteran Kassim Ouma. Both fighters fought carefully, Theophane perhaps being the more cautious one. Most of the fight did not offer too much entertainment for the fans, apart from the finals rounds which were more action-packed. The fight looked close, but the judges saw it as a clear victory for Theophane, scoring it 100–91, 99–91 and 98–92 in favor of the Brit.[22]

Theophane ended the tour after achieving 50 professional victories.

Professional boxing record edit

Record Res. Opponent Type Round Date Location Notes
50–9–1 Loss   Sam Eggington TKO 6 (10) 2020-12-11   Fly By Nite Rehearsal Studios, Redditch, England
50-8-1 Win   Kassim Ouma UD 10 2019-10-05   Gilleleje Hallen, Gilleleje, Denmark
49-8-1 Win   Ferenc Hafner KO 4 (8) 2019-06-28   Timișoara, Romania
48-8-1 Win   Jun Paderna TKO 2 (8) 2019-05-03   Five Palm Jumeirah, UAE
47-8-1 Win   Zsolt Friesz KO 2 (8) 2019-03-23   Kirstacsa sports hall, Hungary
46-8-1 Win   Ricardo Arce Sarmiento TKO 3 (8) 2019-01-26   Gimnasio Independencia, Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
45-8-1 Win   Bakhtiyar Isgandarzada RTD 3 (8) 2018-12-01   PGE Turow Arena, Zgorzelec, Poland
44-8-1 Win   Frank Dodzi RTD 4 (10) 2018-09-28   Seconds Out Boxing Gymnasium, Accra, Ghana
43-8-1 Win   Janos Vass TKO 5 (8) 2018-07-08   Budapest, Hungary
42-8-1 Win  Larry Smith UD 8 2018-04-28   Castleton Banquet & Conference Center, Windham, New Hampshire, US
41-8-1 Win   Paata Varduashvili RTD 7 (10) 2017-12-02   Müggelspreehalle, Hangelsberg, Germany Won vacant German International Super Welterweight Title
40-8-1 Loss   Shoki Sakai UD 8 2017-08-22   Sam's Town Hotel & Gambling Hall, Las Vegas, US
40-7-1 Win   Yakubu Amidu UD 10 2016-12-02   Sam's Town Hotel & Gambling Hall, Las Vegas, US
39-7-1 Loss   Adrien Broner TKO 9 (12) 2016-04-01   D.C. Armory, Washington, D.C., US For WBA (Super) light welterweight title
39-6-1 Win   Steve Upsher Chambers UD 10 2015-09-12   MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, US
38-6-1 Win   Mahonri Montes SD 10 2015-04-30   Palms Casino Resort, Las Vegas, Nevada, US
37-6-1 Win   Miguel Zuniga UD 10 2014-12-12   Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas, US
36-6-1 Win   Daniel Calzada UD 8 2014-08-30   Palms Casino and Resort, Pearl Theater, Las Vegas, Nevada, US
35-6-1 Win   Angino Perez TKO 4 (8) 2014-05-03   MGM Grand, Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada, US
34-6-1 Win   Robert Osiobe SD 8 (8) 2013-12-06   Little Creek Casino Resort, Shelton, Washington, US
33-6-1 Loss   Pablo César Cano SD 10 (10) 2013-09-14   MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, US
33-5-1 Win   Chaurembo Palasa KO 1 (12) 2012-12-28   Rene Hartmann Center, Dudelange, Luxembourg Won vacant World Global Boxing Council Welterweight title
32-5-1 Win   Ronnie Warrior Jr UD 8 (8) 2012-08-24   Music Factory, Charlotte, North Carolina, US
31-5-1 Loss   Darren Hamilton UD 12 (12) 2012-05-19   Aintree Equestrian Centre, Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom Lost British Light welterweight title
31-4-1 Win   Ben Murphy TKO 11 (12) 2011-12-10   Peterlee Leisure Centre, Peterlee, Tyne and Wear, United Kingdom Retained British Light welterweight title
30-4-1 Win   Jason Cook KO 10 (12) 2011-07-23   Wembley Arena, Wembley, London, United Kingdom Won British Light welterweight title
29-4-1 Win   Lenny Daws UD 12 (12) 2011-02-19   Wembley Arena, Wembley, London, United Kingdom
28-4-1 Win   Willie Thompson PTS 6 (6) 2010-10-10   York Hall, Bethnal Green, London, United Kingdom
27-4-1 Win   Delvin Rodríguez MD 10 (10) 2010-07-30   Buffalo Run Casino, Miami, Oklahoma, US
26-4-1 Win   Harasch Hotaki MD 12 (12) 2010-06-19   Messehalle, Burghausen, Bayern, Germany
25-4-1 Loss   Danny Garcia SD 10 2010-02-26   Don Haskins Convention Center, El Paso, Texas, US
25-3-1 Win   Mark Douglas PTS 8 (8) 2009-06-21   York Hall, Bethnal Green, London, United Kingdom
24-3-1 Win   Craig Docherty PTS 6 (6) 2009-03-22   York Hall, Bethnal Green, London, United Kingdom
23-3-1 Win   Matt Scriven PTS 6 (6) 2008-12-06   York Hall, Bethnal Green, London, United Kingdom
22-3-1 Win   DeMarcus Corley UD 8 (8) 2008-07-31   Frontier Field, Rochester, New York, US
21-3-1 Win   Geoffrey Munika PTS 6 (6) 2008-01-15   York Hall, Bethnal Green, London, United Kingdom
20-3-1 Loss   Ali Oubaali UD 10 (10) 2008-02-15   Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville, Connecticut, US
20-2-1 Win   Rocky Muscas TKO 1 (6) 2007-12-01   York Hall, Bethnal Green, London, United Kingdom
19-2-1 Win   Marcos Hernandez TKO 3 (8) 2007-11-16   Beausejour Cricket Ground, Gros Islet, Saint Lucia
18-2-1 Win   Alan Bosworth TKO 7 (10) 2007-01-20   Alexandra Palace, Wood Green, London, United Kingdom Won British Title Eliminator
17-2-1 Win   Omar Siala TKO 11 (12) 2006-12-02   IFCO Arena, Koepenick, Berlin, Germany Won vacant Global Boxing Council Welterweight title
16-2-1 Win   Ibrahim Barakat PTS 6 (6) 2006-10-07   Mehrzwecksporthalle, Horka, Sachsen, Germany
15-2-1 Win   Jon Honney PTS 6 (6) 2006-09-24   York Hall, Bethnal Green, London, United Kingdom
14-2-1 Win   Billy Smith PTS 4 (4) 2006-05-21   York Hall, Bethnal Green, London, United Kingdom
13-2-1 Win   Karl Taylor PTS 4 (4) 2006-04-01   York Hall, Bethnal Green, London, United Kingdom
12-2-1 Win   Josef Holub KO 3 (4) 2006-03-17   Mehrzwecksporthalle, Horka, Sachsen, Germany
11-2-1 Draw   Daniel Thorpe PTS 4 (4) 2006-02-25   ExCel Arena, Dockland, London, United Kingdom
11-2 Win   Duncan Cottier PTS 6 (6) 2005-11-19   Elephant & Castle Centre, Southwark, London, United Kingdom
10-2 Win   David Kehoe PTS 4 (4) 2005-10-09   Hammersmith Palace, Hammersmith, London, United Kingdom
9-2 Loss   Oscar Milkitas PTS 4 (4) 2005-09-18   York Hall, Bethnal Green, London, United Kingdom
9-1 Win   Jus Wallie PTS 4 (4) 2005-06-12   Equinox Nightclub, Leicester Square, London, United Kingdom
8-1 Win   David Kehoe PTS 4 (4) 2005-04-24   Equinox Nightclub, Leicester Square, London, United Kingdom
7-1 Loss   Judex Meemea PTS 6 (6) 2005-03-26   Empire Theatre, Hackney, London, United Kingdom
7-0 Win   Keith Jones PTS 6 (6) 2004-12-02   National Sports Centre, Crystal Palace, London, United Kingdom
6-0 Win   Arv Mittoo PTS 4 (4) 2004-06-19   Alexandra Palace, Wood Green, London, United Kingdom
5-0 Win   Chris Brophy TKO 3 (4) 2004-06-05   York Hall, Bethnal Green, London, United Kingdom
4-0 Win   Karl Taylor PTS 4 (4) 2004-04-25   Metrodome, Barnsley, Yorkshire, United Kingdom
3-0 Win   David Kirk PTS 6 (6) 2003-07-22   Ice Arena, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom
2-0 Win   Brian Coleman PTS 6 (6) 2003-06-03   York Hall, Bethnal Green, London, United Kingdom
1-0 Win   Lee Bedell TKO 4 (4) 2003-06-03   York Hall, Bethnal Green, London, United Kingdom Professional debut

References edit

  1. ^ "BoxRec: Ashley Theophane". boxrec.com. Retrieved 22 October 2019.
  2. ^ Chaudry, Ziad (14 December 2020). "Kilburn boxer". Kilburn Times. Archived from the original on 14 December 2020. Retrieved 14 September 2021.
  3. ^ a b c "Ashley Theophane". BoxRec. 30 August 1980. Retrieved 31 March 2016.
  4. ^ "Ali Oubaali". BoxRec. Retrieved 31 March 2016.
  5. ^ "SecondsOut Boxing News – Interviews – Ashley Theophane: A Name to Remember". Secondsout.com. 30 August 1980. Retrieved 31 March 2016.
  6. ^ "Danny Garcia Tested, Decisions Ashley Theophane – Boxing News". Boxingscene.com. Retrieved 31 March 2016.
  7. ^ "Ashley Theophane Decisions Harasch Hotaki in Germany – Boxing News". Boxingscene.com. Retrieved 31 March 2016.
  8. ^ "Boxing News". Archived from the original on 30 December 2010. Retrieved 3 August 2010.
  9. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 7 August 2010. Retrieved 3 August 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  10. ^ Len Whaley (14 October 2010). "Globe-trotting Ashley is back – with a fine win – Sport". Newham Recorder. Retrieved 31 March 2016.
  11. ^ British title for well-travelled Londoner. "Theophane floors Daws". Sky Sports. Retrieved 31 March 2016.
  12. ^ "Boxing News". Archived from the original on 2 March 2011. Retrieved 25 February 2011.
  13. ^ "Ashley Theophane excited for future after signing with Ricky Hatton - Boxing - Sport News - Daily Post North Wales". Archived from the original on 28 December 2011. Retrieved 1 October 2011.
  14. ^ "Theophane Rallies Back Hard to Stop Murphy in Eleven".
  15. ^ "Ashley Theophane Talks British Boxing, Training in America and His Future | British Boxing News". Britishboxers.co.uk. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 31 March 2016.
  16. ^ "World Boxing News - Ashley Theophane reflects on Mayweather Gym camp". Archived from the original on 8 June 2013. Retrieved 17 June 2013.
  17. ^ "Photos: Caballero vs. Theophane at Mayweather Gym – Boxing News". Boxingscene.com. 29 March 2013. Retrieved 31 March 2016.
  18. ^ "Ashley Theophane: "I Am Getting Some Great Work...I'M Learning From The Best In The Business"". Fighthype.com. 15 April 2013. Retrieved 31 March 2016.
  19. ^ "World Boxing News - Theophane: I'm watching history in the making at Mayweather Gym". Archived from the original on 7 April 2013. Retrieved 17 June 2013.
  20. ^ "Adrien Broner stops Ashley Theophane in ninth round of WBA bout", BBC, 2 April 2016. Retrieved 3 April 2016
  21. ^ "Ashley Theophane Bounces Back, Decisions Yakubu Amidu". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 21 November 2020.
  22. ^ "Ashley Theophane Decisions Kassim Ouma in Denmark". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 21 November 2020.

External links edit