CRAIG JOHNS BREAKS THE FIRST RULE MTK prepare to host debut show in region
MTK Boxing will host their first North East show at the Hilton Hotel, Gateshead to round off an incredible year for the sport in the region.
In a small dinner show, MTK-signed trio Kyle Redfearn, Chad Ellis and Jay Hughes will be joined by top prospect Darren Surtees for the already sold-out show on Thursday, December 13.
Fight Club brought you news earlier this year of the MTK brand coming to the region, opening a gym in the Felling area of Gateshead which used to be the Bad Boy Training Centre.
MTK is a huge brand in boxing and have top stars such as Tyson Fury and Carl Frampton under their banner, and after the success of local stars such as Josh Kelly and Lewis Ritson, are now looking to unearth yet more talent from this fight-proud region.
This first show will be the first step in their growth plan.
Redfearn (7-1-KO5), Ellis (5-0) and Hughes (6-0) are all hoping their stock can rise thanks to the influence of the management company.
Durham’s Redfearn will be getting back into the ring for the first time since losing his undefeated record to Germany’s highly-rated Nick Hannig in October.
The ex-professional mixed martial arts world title challenger said: “I’m really excited to be handed an opportunity like this.
“I’m determined to get back to winning ways and set up a big 2019. I plan to fight guys ranked in the top 20 in the UK soon in order to put myself in a position to fight for titles.”
The last 12 months have been huge for the sport in this region, with Ritson’s incredible rise inspiring two huge arena shows on Tyneside.
Chad Ellis was able to benefit from the second of those, earning a points victory Angel Emilov on the undercard to extend his record to 5-0.
The Spennymoor welterweight will look to round the year off with another win having completed four already since January.
“It’s great to be fighting on the same card as Kyle and Jay,” he said. “We’re a team and we all graft hard together, pushing each other on.
“I’ve had a great year and I can’t Kyle Redfearn and Chad Ellis (inset) will be on the bill at the sold-out Hilton Hotel show in Gateshead on December 13 wait to round it off and set up big things for 2019. I want to be straight back out there pushing for titles and climbing the ladder at welterweight.”
One thing MTK’s fighters have never shied away from is a fight. Not interested in padding records, they’re always looking to test themselves in 50/50 fights – as evidenced by Redfearn’s willingness to go on the road last month against a highly-regarded prospect.
Hughes, too, showed willingness to test himself against former Fighting Chance stablemate Kris Pilkington, with the North East duo sharing a mini classic back in September.
Hughes moved to 6-0 with a points victory in that one and is now looking to end the year on a high before also looking at bigger and better things in 2019. The 31-year-old said: “It’s a great show and I can’t wait to show my skills to the fans and followers of MTK Global.
“I’ve got such a great team around me – especially my team-mates in Kyle, Chad and Darren Reay.
“We all have the same mentality of getting in there with anyone and giving it our best shot.”
Completing a four-fight card, East Durham College-trained Darren Surtees will see out a sensational year for him with one final fight.
The hugely talented former Northern Area champion has this year remained undefeated, recovering from a slow start to the year with three comprehensive victories in the final five months of 2018.
After beating William Warburton at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland in July, Surtees signed a promotional deal with Sauerland – the promoters behind the hugely popular World Boxing Super Series.
And that deal allowed Surtees a spot on the super middleweight final undercard as he impressed by blasting out Kane Barker in Saudi Arabia before Callum Smith defeated George Groves.
He then finished Troy James early in Scotland on the undercard of Josh Taylor’s win over Ryan Martin in Glasgow (the same event that also saw Nonito Donaire upset Ryan Burnett).
It promises to be an excellent end to an excellent year for boxing in the North East.
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