CRAIG JOHNS BREAKS THE FIRST RULE Never write off Nella as Baby bounces back
RESPECTED trainer Mal Gates admits he will be bursting with pride to be in the corner of Anthony Nelson once again.
Nelson makes his highly anticipated return to boxing after two years out of the ring next Saturday, as the pair – together since day one – plot ‘Babyface’ Nelson’s route back to the top of the domestic scene, and maybe beyond.
Known affectionately as Nella, the South Shields boxer won the super flyweight Commonwealth title in his first run as a professional boxer, as he went 11-0 as a pro.
He then finally got his shot at the big time – and TV time – in a defence of his belt against Jamie Conlan.
And although Nelson lost his belt and undefeated record that evening, he gained plenty of new fans and respect after sharing a classic war with the Belfast man which was voted 2016 British Boxing Board of Control Fight of the Year.
Sadly, though, just as his career was on the verge of taking off to new heights following that, family man Anthony was forced to give it up.
With his children to support and a lack of sponsorship, he was forced to take work away from home, thus making him unable to train and commit to a sport he’d dedicated so much of his life to.
Thankfully, two years on and that situation has changed. Nella is back – and Temple Park will be packed next weekend to welcome back their warrior.
“It’s absolutely brilliant to have Anthony back,” said trainer Mal Gates, who has worked with Anthony since he was an amateur.
“For me, personally, I’ve had Anthony since he was a boy so it means a lot to me that he’s back. We’ve been on a long journey together and it brings me great pride to see him back.
“He’s very much the focal point of the gym and all the other lads look up to him, and so they should. What he’s achieved so far in his career is great. But there’s more to come, and I’m delighted he has the chance to fulfill that. His preparation has been fantastic. This one is a six-rounder which will get some rust off and then we will go looking for the bigger fights.
“We’d love to get on to the June 16 Matchroom card, but of course the decision on that is down to Eddie (Hearn). Those are the kind of cards we want to be on going forward, though. That’s what Anthony deserves.”
It’s quite fitting that Nelson’s comeback takes place at Temple Park – the scene of one of his best night’s in the sport.
October 12, 2014 saw him have home advantage against Terry Broadbent in a clash for the vacant English title. The pair shared an absolute barnstormer with the highly atmospheric crowd adding to a special spectacle – rated as this journalist’s finest experience of the sport.
“We always wanted to be at Temple Park again, the minute Anthony decided he was coming back,” Gates revealed.
“The last show there was amazing and the fans made the atmosphere that day incredible. It’s for them more than anything. They followed us all over when they had to, so it’s great to give them something back.
“Me and Anthony are both South Shields born and bred and I have family coming, so it should be really special.
“I have three of my lads on the show so it will be a busy night, but I’m really looking forward to it.”
The event, promoted by Steve Wraith, promises to be a great night of boxing, with a stacked card.
As well as Nelson, Gates has prospects Sam Menzies and Paul Gidney out from his buzzing Harton and Westoe gym. On top of that, fans can look forward to seeing plenty of talent from the region including the Leather twins Josh and Kalam, Joe Maphosa, Jeff Saunders and more.
Tickets are still available from all fighters on the bill or www.newcastlelegends. com, priced at £35 for standard or £75 for ringside VIP seats. Door at Temple Park are due to open at 7pm.