Dragone puts perfect record on the line in Newport test
Milkman Angelo hopes cream rises to the top as he seeks to maintain perfect record in the ring
BOXER Angelo Dragone is set to step into the ring for his third professional fight as he bids to maintain his 100% record.
The milkman from Cwmffrwd near Carmarthen takes on Cardiff’s Rhys Saunders, a veteran of 18 pro bouts and a former British Masters titleholder, at the Neon theatre in Newport, Gwent, on Saturday, February 2.
Dragone, 28, who works for his father’s firm Nigel’s Dairy delivering milk house to house, only had his first pro fight last August.
He defeated Liverpool’s Paul Peers on points at Llandarcy Sports Centre on that occasion before also winning his second contest, once again on points.
Dragone, who only took up the sport as an amateur when he was 18, fights at lightweight, which has an upper weight limit of 9st 12lb. His amateur club was Premier ABC in Swansea.
“I don’t have any trouble making the weight,” he said. “It’s no problem at all.”
His first two bouts were four-round contests but he will step up to six rounds in Newport.
He said he loved boxing as soon as he first pulled on the gloves.
“It began as a hobby,” he said. “My cousins were into it so I got involved in the training and just did it to keep out of trouble.
“Richie (Garner) asked me to register for a fight because I was coming on in my training and I said, ‘yeah, go for it’, and never looked back.
“I had 26 amateur fights and two semi-pro fights in London. After that I decided to look at managers and signed with Richie.”
Dragone added: “I’ve been offered a slot on a big MTK bill in Cardiff on St David’s Day which will be on the telly and doesn’t depend on me win- ning against Saunders.
“That would be a huge opportunity for me, it could really open a few doors.”
That fight night will take place at the Vale Sports Arena in the Llandough area of the capital.
Dragone will be taking about 70 supporters to the Newport fight, with a bus going to the event from Carmarthen.
There are still tickets available for the bus — anyone interested should phone Dragone on 07462 773137.