The Northeast gets a terrific derby title fight on October 19 when Sunderland’s Kirk Goodings takes on Middlesbrough’s Paul Truscott for the English lightweight crown at the Rainton Meadows Arena.
Truscott is the former Commonwealth featherweight champion, and British super-featherweight title challenger, who needs a career-lifting victory after suffering a TKO defeat last time out against hard-hitting Richard Commey in July.
Goodings has just one defeat in 10 outings, a late-substitute points loss to Steve Williams in a British Masters light-welterweight challenge, and is seeing the Truscott fight as the perfect opportunity to springboard his career.
“This is the hardest fight of my career. Paul is a very good and tough opponent,” stated Goodings. “But this is my time to shine, this is what I train for and I am not losing this opportunity. Winning the English title will be amazing as it leads on to other titles and will really propel my career.”
Promoter Phil Jeffries recently stated he only wants 50-50 fights on his Pro Box North East shows and this headliner fits that mould. With 23-fight Truscott the more experienced, but Goodings the fresher man, it is hard to split the pair and the contest shouldn’t fail to be a quality affair.
“There’s excitement there for definite with it being a Northeast derby, it definitely adds to the tension,” said Kirk. “I’m very confident of winning and I wouldn’t be in this fight otherwise. I have a lot of respect for Paul and I look forward to us getting the gloves on.”
“I’m delighted to have made this match,” explained Jeffries. “Credit to both lads for taking it. I really can’t pick a winner, I think it’s that close, and I’m absolutely positive this could be a fight of the year contender. Paul is known for being very game and skilful, but Kirk is very strong and will give it everything.”
The rest of the Rainton Meadows card will feature some of the best unbeaten fighters from the region including Easington’s Paul Archer; South Shields’ Anthony Nelson; Sunderland’s Jonson McClumpha; Hartlepool’s Mick Hadfield, and Horden’s Anthony Hardy v Chris Bennet real North east derby to unbeaten fighters and a 50/50 fight. Also appearing will be Edinburgh’s John McCallum Also heavy weight Dave Allen will be frighten in the North east for the first time.
Pro Box North east 19th October Sunderland
Re: Pro Box North east 19th October Sunderland
McCLUMPHA BACK ON TRACK
With his career back on track after an injury layoff, Jonson McClumpha wants more exciting fights – like his last one.
In July, the Sunderland prospect went toe-to-toe with Newcastle’s Andrew Buchanan in a six round war, with the ref unable to split them at the final bell.
“It was a good fight,” recalled Jonson. “We both put everything into it and left it all in the ring. I felt a bit mixed with the performance though. I was pleased I did my first six rounds comfortably, but felt a little flat.
“It was a draw but I think I did enough to win. No doubt he thinks the same, but he's a great lad and I have a lot of respect for him.”
Next, on October 19, McClumpha is slated to face durable journeyman Dean Walker on Pro Box North East’s Rainton Meadows Arena show.
With the future looking bright, Jonson won’t be taking his eye of the ball. The 23-year-old is looking to shine against Walker before getting into the domestic middleweight mix.
“I want big fights and titles,” said McClumpha, who is undefeated in six with two KOs. “I'm working a full time nightshift job and want to become a full time pro, and that means big fights and titles.
“It's Dean Walker at super middle next. I'm only a middle weight so I'm expecting to be lighter, but I'll get through this then onto bigger things. For now I'm concentrating on my next opponent.”
Promoter Phil Jeffries said: “Jonson was being touted as one of our brightest prospects before his injury. He’s done well to come back from that and wasn’t fazed at stepping in with Buchanan on his first fight back. He can really hit and I think he’ll have a major say in the middleweight division in the future.”
With his career back on track after an injury layoff, Jonson McClumpha wants more exciting fights – like his last one.
In July, the Sunderland prospect went toe-to-toe with Newcastle’s Andrew Buchanan in a six round war, with the ref unable to split them at the final bell.
“It was a good fight,” recalled Jonson. “We both put everything into it and left it all in the ring. I felt a bit mixed with the performance though. I was pleased I did my first six rounds comfortably, but felt a little flat.
“It was a draw but I think I did enough to win. No doubt he thinks the same, but he's a great lad and I have a lot of respect for him.”
Next, on October 19, McClumpha is slated to face durable journeyman Dean Walker on Pro Box North East’s Rainton Meadows Arena show.
With the future looking bright, Jonson won’t be taking his eye of the ball. The 23-year-old is looking to shine against Walker before getting into the domestic middleweight mix.
“I want big fights and titles,” said McClumpha, who is undefeated in six with two KOs. “I'm working a full time nightshift job and want to become a full time pro, and that means big fights and titles.
“It's Dean Walker at super middle next. I'm only a middle weight so I'm expecting to be lighter, but I'll get through this then onto bigger things. For now I'm concentrating on my next opponent.”
Promoter Phil Jeffries said: “Jonson was being touted as one of our brightest prospects before his injury. He’s done well to come back from that and wasn’t fazed at stepping in with Buchanan on his first fight back. He can really hit and I think he’ll have a major say in the middleweight division in the future.”
Re: Pro Box North east 19th October Sunderland
Thought Callum Winton was on the show phill his career is in slow mode from what Iv seen or heard of him
Re: Pro Box North east 19th October Sunderland
tell you about when i see youtear up wrote:Thought Callum Winton was on the show phill his career is in slow mode from what Iv seen or heard of him