Hague impresses after answering late call

BOXER Adam Hague ensured he had one of the most memorable debuts in recent times after taking a fight against a top prospect on just a few hours’ notice.

The 21-year-old, who trains in Stockport, was sat at home enjoying his Saturday when he received a phone call from trainer Matthew Hatton asking if he wanted to fight in Barnsley that night.

Unbeaten Lee Appleyard needed a new opponent on extremely short notice, and Hague decided to step in and head to his opponent’s backyard.

After a tough fight, Hague won on points to sensationally cap off a whirlwind evening.

“I was relaxing at home when Matthew rung me out of the blue around 3pm and told me he thinks I should take the fight,” he said. “I did six rounds in the gym the day before so I was aching, but he said it was a great fight for me and he was confident I would win.

“To go there and beat him in front of his own crowd was amazing, especially as I had no idea I would be boxing when I woke up that morning.

“It was a tough fight and I had to use my boxing brain, but I listened to what Matthew told me and it paid off massively.”

Hague has since fought again, putting in a fantastic performance to hand veteran Jason Nesbitt a rare stoppage defeat.

“A lot of people thought I would go the distance with Nesbitt but I showed what I am capable of,” he said.

“He rarely gets stopped but Matthew told me before the fight that I would stop him so it shows the faith he has in me.”