Real ring of confidence as big revival continues
NORTH EAST’S FIGHT SCENE IS BUOYANT ONCE MORE
THE North East fight scene is booming at all levels as shows in the area come thick and fast.
The one-time hotbed of boxing is back in the big time with Lewis Ritson, Josh Kelly, Thomas Ward, and Glenn Foot headlining and top promoter Eddie Hearn coming to Newcastle once again on October 13.
Then there are local promoters Steve Wraith and Phil Jeffries who have joined forces.
We’ve just had ‘Nowhere To Hide’ at the Lancastrian Suite in Dunston and the pair are back at the same venue on September 29 followed by a third show on November 24.
This next time ‘Tear Up On Tyneside’ will feature John Green’s return to the ring after a two year absence as well as Luke Cope, Terry Tyres, Waqas Mohammed, and Forest Hall’s Terry Wilkinson, along with a debut for ex-kickboxing world champion Reece McAllister. Local lad Anth Ornsby, who fights out of Howdon boxing gym, is set to make his debut pending BBBoC approval.
MTK fighters based at Felling under head coach Gary Barr, once a top Birtley amateur, produced positive results over the weekend led by Jay Hughes who edged out Kris Pilkington 39-37 in their derby clash over four threes.
There were also victories for Kyle Redfearn and Chad Ellis.
Redfearn stopped Jinrich Valecky in the second round but Ellis was taken to points to overcome Chris Jenkinson 40-37.
Lawrence Osueke from Cullercoats was stepping up to six rounds but didn’t need them as he produced the first stoppage win of his undefeated pro career against Kamil Kulczyk in three rounds.
“It was great to get my first stoppage,” he admitted.
“Kamil was unpredictable coming at me with wild swinging shots but I took my time, picked my shots, and got the stoppage.
“I am now looking forward to October 13 and another big night at the Newcastle Arena.”
Zaki Shirzad, trained by Matty Jobes in Newcastle, lost to Adam Hutchinson who was making his debut, 39-37.
The bill was completed with victories for Dean Laing, a Geordie who now fights out of Manchester, 40-36 against Raimons Sniedze and Joe Hill 40-36 v Sam Omidi.
If those on the card required inspiration then they needed to look no further than two great North East champions appearing at the Lancastrian Suite.
Billy Hardy, the former British, Commonwealth and European champion, was MC, while ex-British cruiser king Jon-Lewis Dickinson was guest of honour.
There was further hall support amateur superstar twins Pat and Luke McCormack, manager Mal Gates, and Benwell bomber Joe Laws.
The Wraith-Jeffries shows need significant backing to be put on so regularly and they are receiving sponsorship support from O’Toole’s Gym in Byker and LA Taxis.