CRAIG JOHNS BREAKS THE FIRST RULE Summer Rumble show at stadium

Glenn Foot with trainer David Binns and manager Phil Jeffries and, right, Martin Ward, Troy Williamson and Peter Cope SUPPORTERS at the Stadium of Light have not been too familiar with seeing much fight from their players in the last 12 months.

But fighters are back at the Wearside ground this weekend as promoter Phil Jeffries hosts his annual Summer Rumble show.

And this year is an exciting contest to top the will as Sunderland boxer Glenn Foot defends his English super lightweight belt against undefeated Gloucestershire talent Akeem Ennis Brown.

Brown is 8-0 so far but has only one stoppage on his record.

He’s said to be a talented individual, but former Prize- fighter champion Glenn is by far the toughest opponent he’s faced to date.

No doubt the hometown fighter will have no issues in taking his young opponent to the trenches and seeing how he reacts under pressure.

Foot has been overdue his shot at the big time for some time now after injuries scuppered his chances of capitalizing on his Prizefighter victory.

He’s a talented boxer capable of fighting however the contest goes. He’s got plenty of power but also underrated boxing skills too, after a good amateur career before he turned over to the pro side of the sport.

He tends to prefer to stand and trade with his opponents and showed that in London in his last bout when he won the English title.

After conceding early rounds to Philip Bowes, Foot wore the Londoner down until the defending champion was practically running on empty.

Victory for Foot should put him in line for a British title shot, while the big promoters will no doubt be eyeing him too, with his fan-friendly style an easy selling point.

The Summer Rumble is always an enjoyable spectacle and has provided many a great bout at the Stadium of Light in its seven years of existence.

This year, one thing it really highlights is the strength in depth currently in North East boxing. Joining Foot on the bill is Martin Ward who tunes up for a European title fight, hopefully later this year. The Durham fighter has previously held the Commonwealth strap and has also boxed for a world title.

Meanwhile, talented Darlington amateur Troy Williamson is in for his fourth paid contest, all going in his favour so far.

Other names on the bill include former Northern Area champion Peter Cope from Hartlepool as well as talented prospects such as Jay Hughes and Chris Wallace.

Doors to the show at the Stadium of Light open at 12.30pm today, with tickets available on the door.