Sunderland-born Jeffries was hoping for a home debut

Sunderland light-heavyweight and Olympic bronze medallist Tony Jeffries has signed a three-year professional contract with promoter Frank Maloney.

Jeffries will make his debut on the undercard of Rendall Munroe's European super-bantamweight title defence against Spain's Kiko Martinez.

The bout, which takes place in Barnsley on 27 February, will be the 23-year-old's first since the Beijing Olympics.

A deal with Sheffield-based promoter Dennis Hobson collapsed last month.

The Wearsider had hoped to make his bow before a home crowd but new promoter Maloney has promised to deliver at least two televised shows in the region every year.

In addition, a deal has been agreed for all of Jeffries' fights to be shown on Sky Sports.

Jeffries will be the first of Team GB's Beijing contingent to fight professionally - gold medallist James DeGale, Billy Joe Saunders and Frankie Gavin will make their debuts in Birmingham the following day.

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