Dad Dave is so proud of his two punch perfect lads

Oldham businessman Dave Rafferty hopes to be as proud as punch when both his sons compete on the same boxing show, sponsored by General Sports Worldwide, at the Whites Hotel in Bolton on Saturday, May 6.

"This is the first time both lads have been on the same show since they turned pro and I’m confident that they’ll both show just what they’re made of and establish themselves as genuine contenders for title fights in their respective division," said Rafferty senior.

Less than two years after joining the professional ranks, Rafferty’s younger son - super middleweight boxer Tom, 25 - remains undefeated in seven bouts.

"He’s building a built a solid reputation as a tough and talented boxer," added Dave.

"Tom’s a skilful boxer, but also a hard fighter whose powerful punches make it clear just what he’s capable of.

"In his last fight in Manchester in March he knocked his opponent out with a brilliant punishing left hook in the third round, so expect to see more of the same in Bolton."

For older brother Jack, the Bolton show will be his 20th pro fight.

"I’m keen to retain my undefeated record," said Jack, who is 27.

"And I can’t wait to get back in the ring to show everyone that I’m still a major contender.

"I’ve not boxed for 11 months, but I’ve been training hard and I’m determined to put on an exciting performance in Bolton."

A father of two young sons, Tom trains at ‘The Finest Boxing Gym’ under manager Pat Barrett and coaches Steve Maylett and Joe Eko.

Managed by British 2012 Olympic team manager Tom Stalker and now also coached by Maylett, Jack started his professional career in 2017, soon becoming known as the ‘Demolition Man’ with more than half his bouts ending in stoppage.

His recent period of inactivity was caused by injuries to a hand and a foot.

"It’s been a while," said Jack.

"But now I’m back and I’m going to make it absolutely clear to boxers higher up the super lightweight rankings exactly what they can expect when they meet me.

"That means being worn down by very hard punches ending in a decisive knockout."

They are sentiments echoed by Stalker, who stated: "Jack is one of the best super lightweights in the country and this year people will see we have a star on our hands.

"He’ll have a title fight this summer for sure.

"Tom is also learning his craft but has enormous potential.

"There are exciting times ahead."

Father Dave is his sons’ top fan and main sponsor through his company Combro Construction, with the other main sponsor being Rhodian Wealth Management.

Dave said: "I’m in total admiration of both my adult sons who are great role models as they lead clean lives and work so hard training in the gym daily while also having to cope with the recent loss of their mother.

"They’re seriously tough young men, but also such kind caring people.

"I’m just the proudest father possible."

Both Jack and Tom are totally committed to their boxing, and feel prepared for longer, harder fights against challenging opponents.

Tom said: "We’re both hungry for greater success.

"Neither of us is in the slightest scared of any opponents.

"We both intend to climb those rankings undefeated.

"Our ambition is to please all our fans, but none more so than our dad who’s shown us unstinting love and support since our first amateur fights.

"We will all be ecstatic when Jack and I both top the British rankings.

"We’ll not rest until we’ve done our best."

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