Mark Jeffers targets Kevin Lele Sadjo, says manager Kevin Maree

Mark Jeffers’ manager, Kevin Maree, has told BoxingScene that the undefeated English super middleweight champion is ready to come off the leash, and is targeting Kevin Lele Sadjo, one of the most dangerous 168-pound operators and European champion.

“In my opinion, Mark’s one of the next superstars of British boxing. He’s a big ticket seller, he’s unbeaten and he’s ready to go,” he said. “The fight that we’re chasing is Kevin Lele Sadjo. Sadjo just boxed but didn’t defend his European title. He’s either going to get called to have to defend it or he’ll have to give it up. Mark’s next in line for that so we’re all systems go at the moment and Sky are extremely excited about him and right behind getting Mark the European title next.”

If Sadjo, 23-0 (20 KOs), does elect to chase a world title rather than defend his European strap against Chorley’s Jeffers, 18-0 (5 KOs), Maree will do everything in his power to secure his man a shot at a vacant belt and use the prestigious title as a platform to showcase the 26-year-old and position him for a world title shot.

“I hate to say it for somebody of Jeffers’ standing because of how many fights he’s had and the fact that he’s unbeaten but – at the moment – he’s still a bit under the radar. It’s time for him to really be launched and kick on. That’s the plan now. Make him a bit more of a household name in boxing.”

Lots of professional boxers also have a talent for another sport but Jeffers takes that to a different level. A natural athlete, he recently took it upon himself to run four marathons within 24 hours and as well as being an outstanding runner, he was a good enough footballer to play for Preston North End and Blackburn Rovers as a youngster and still plays cricket to a very high level. He is also an excellent pool player and won a golf tournament within a few months of picking up a club.

Jeffers has decided to concentrate on boxing and after a lengthy apprenticeship, his decision is starting to bear fruit. He won the Central Area title back in 2020 but has really begun to come into his own since becoming a regular on Boxxer’s shows on Sky Sports in the UK. He announced himself to the boxing public with a convincing English title victory over Zak Chelli – a result which has aged well considering Chelli went on to become British champion – and defended it against the useful Germaine Brown. In May, he showed a different side to his game with a brutal knockout of Darren Johnstone.

“His mum and dad are very sporty. The son and daughter are top cyclists and Mark’s one of these annoying people who, whatever sport he does, he’s brilliant at,” Maree said. “He’s just got the motor skills of an athlete. He’s a really, really talented boxer and we’re yet to see the best of Mark Jeffers. We’ve seen it in the gym and you’ve seen bits on fight night but when he gets a proper showcase and gets it right on fight night, he’ll make people go, ‘Wow.’”