Two young boxers from Sunderland are gearing up for their professional debuts on the undercard of the North East's most anticipated British title fight.
This Friday, Sunderland's Josh Kelly will take on Darlington's Troy Williamson as they compete for the British Super Welterweight Championship at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle. The eagerly-awaited clash will be shown live on Channel 5, with Kelly hoping to prove he's a future world class operator by overcoming the unbeaten Williamson.
The pair will headline a stacked card which will also feature two up-and-coming prospects who are making their professional boxing debuts. Sunderland fighters, Travis Waters and Adam Reichard will be making their first appearances in the pro-ranks - and they are out to impress.
Read more: North East set for bumper British Title fight as Troy Williamson and Josh Kelly clash in Newcastle
Both lads are eager to showcase their skills, with each having plenty of experience in the amateur ranks. Former Sunderland ABC boxer, Waters has had over 160 bouts and has won two NABGC national titles. Similarly, Reichard has over 60 amateur bouts under his belt boxing for Wearmouth ABC and has won two gold medals in European box cups.
Speaking ahead of his debut, 22-year-old Adam, said: "I'm delighted to be making my pro debut in general, but I'm even more delighted that it's in the North East in front of a home crowd. I've sold loads of tickets for family and friends and I am buzzing to get in there on Friday."
He added: "This is a huge platform to make my debut on, but the end goal is definitely to be headlining this venue or similar venues one day, whether that's for British titles or even beyond that. One day I want to sell my own arena out."
Both fighters are part of the professional boxing stable, Tenacity Boxing, headed by experienced trainers Anth Kelly and John Stubbs. Speaking to The Chronicle, Anth said: "Adam has been boxing for over 10 years and has been to two national finals and won two gold medals in box cups around Europe. He has a very good boxing brain and a good skillset and I think professional boxing will suit him better than the amateur side."
Speaking ahead of his long awaited debut, Travis, 26, said he's "buzzing with the opportunity" to perform on the undercard and "thrives" on boxing in front of large home crowds. Anth Kelly added: "As a coach, I think with the power and experience Travis has means he's going to make a really exciting professional fighter."
Also on the undercard is fellow North East fighter and Tenacity stable-mate, Ben Marksby from Darlington, who has won all five of his professional outings so far and is setting himself up for an English title shot next year. Speaking ahead of his sixth pro fight, he said: "I hope to fight for an English title in 2023 because I believe I am one of the best up and coming prospects in England and I will show it next year."
Tickets for the fight on December 2, which is promoted by Wasserman Boxing, can be bought HERE
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