It’s a fantastic time to be a fight fan in the North East. Hot on the heels of last month’s sell-out Hartlepool bill that saw the return of former world title challenger Michel Hunter, promoter Phil Jeffries has announced his next show, at the Rainton Meadows Arena on May 20th, will be topped by a title fight featuring one of the region’s brightest prospects.
“This is going to be really big,” stated Jeffries, who is working on the show with former fighter Dave Garside. “Michael Hunter will have his second comeback fight as chief support, and we’ve got other great local talent on like Mark Clauzel, Robert Ismay and Middlesbrough’s Shafiq ‘Chubzy’ Asif who looks a future star. I’m really excited to announce, though, that headlining will be Martin Ward fighting for the English title. His opponent hasn’t been finalised but what I can tell you is that he’ll be up against a top fighter and this is going to be his toughest test yet.”
Bantamweight Ward is recognised in the fight trade as a boxer with the potential to get to the top. The County Durham southpaw, with just one defeat in his 15 fight career, has hardly lost a round as a professional and brings to the ring – total confidence, smooth skills, and blazing hand speed. Titles aren’t given away though and Ward will need to be on top of his game on May 20th – regardless of who he faces – if he is to earn the title of ‘best in England’.
In chief support role, Michael Hunter needs no introduction. Taking it one step at a time on this, his second career comeback, the former British and European super-bantamweight king will be hoping to prove there’s ‘life in the old dog yet’. Unbeaten boxers, Newcastle’s Mark Clauzel and Gateshead’s Robert Ismay, will both be looking for wins number five, while former amateur star ‘Chubzy’ Asif, who made an impressive debut on the recent Hartlepool show, will be after victory number two. Also appearing will be Fishburn’s Gary Fox and David Lake from South Shields, neither of whom are ever in a dull fight, as well as first timers Mohammed Waqas from Middlesbrough and Sunderland’s Lee Mould.
“These are all good boxers and I just want to help them showcase their talents to the North East public,” explained Phil. “Martin Ward is undoubtedly gifted, and I’m absolutely convinced that some of the other fighters on this bill are going to end up as British champions. This is another great show for the region, the crowd down in Hartlepool was absolutely amazing, and I’ve got no doubt the support will be just as good this time around. We’re building boxing up in the North East – don’t miss the ride!”
Tickets £30 pound £50 ring side