Mark White impresses on professional debut with landslide points victory

Mark White began his professional career with a comfortable points victory over Russ Midgley at the Riverside Lodge, Dunston.

White, 24, took every round on the referee’s scorecard to win 40-36, and showed his ability to quickly adapt to the professional game. 

He said: “I’m buzzing, I loved every second of it. I’ve put a lot of hard training in, and it all paid off tonight.

“It was totally different to the amateurs with no headguards and smaller gloves, but I soaked up every second and I enjoyed it.

“It was great to fight in front of all my friends and family, and hopefully with that performance the crowd will remember my name for next time."

The Birtley boxer signed with Fighting Chance in June, and was previously scheduled to kick-off his tenure in the paid ranks on July 24, but injuries to key fighters caused the Relentless Promotions show to be cancelled.

Upon making his highly anticipated professional debut, it was White’s first competitive bout for three years.

The 24-year old imposed himself as the aggressor from the opening bell, but with ring rust perhaps playing its part, Midgley remained threatening on the counter.

However, White began to find his rhythm in the second and pinned his opponent on the ropes before unleashing a number of quick-fire combinations.

Despite Midgley’s consistent showboating, White continued to utilise his fast hands to pile on the pressure.

In the final round, White controlled the tempo with consummate ease. Meanwhile the pace of the fight took its toll on Midgley as he went into reverse gear.

Speaking on sealing a 40-36 points victory, White said:

“It’s always nerve-wracking to get into the ring, but even more so that I hadn’t fought for three years. Once the ring rust started to wear off, I really got going.

“I’m tall for the weight so I was trying to keep my range.  I knew my shots were hurting on him, so I put even more pressure on him. He was showboating, but it didn’t faze me what so ever.

“It’s getting things going again and getting rid of the ring rust. Sparring with Anthony Nelson has boosted my confidence. My aim is to keep on working in the gym and improve with each fight.”

Mark White and Fighting Chance Promotions would like to thank Ravensworth Construction for their continued support. 

Andrew Buchanan to face Kelvin Young in English title eliminator

Andrew Buchanan (left) in action. All photos courtesy of www.ImagesBySW.com

Fighting Chance’s Andrew Buchanan is edging towards a long-awaited title opportunity as he has been granted an English title eliminator against Kelvin Young.

The contest has been approved by the BBBoC and will go to purse bids on October 14, with the eliminator scheduled to take place before the end of January.

The winner will be made mandatory challenger for the English super middleweight title, which is currently held by Jahmaine Smyle.

Speaking on landing an English title eliminator for Buchanan, Fighting Chance head coach Ronnie Rowe said:

“It took a lot of discussion and planning, but the board have approved the request for Andy to be considered for the English title, and have therefore granted an eliminator.

“I am delighted that we have got Andy this opportunity. It is fully deserved and gives him a chance of fighting for a major title in the near future.”

Buchanan has had an unconventional boxing career, as the Newcastle fighter originally hung up his gloves in 2005 after pursuing a full-time job that would help provide financial security for his family. 

But eight years later, Buchanan returned to the sport, and has held a six-fight unbeaten streak since, which has allowed him to enter title contention.

With an English title eliminator looming, the 35-year-old’s best years could still be ahead of him, but Rowe has warned that Kelvin Young should not be taken lightly.

“Andy has the ability to go on and win the English title, but first he must take care of Kelvin Young, which will be no easy task.”

Rowe added: “Andy made the tough decision to return to boxing, and since signing him we have delivered on our promise to create opportunities. While Andy does the work in the ring, full credit must go to the Fighting Chance set-up for getting Andy to this stage."

If you, or your company would like to be part of Buchanan’s bid for title glory via sponsorship, please email fighting.chance@mail.com or personal message the Fighting Chance Promotions facebook page, and we’ll get back to you.

Mark White determined to prove a point on professional debut

Jone TK (left) and Mark White (right). Photo credit to www.peepmagazine.co.uk 

Mark White is eager to put on a memorable performance when he makes his highly anticipated professional debut, on September 18, at Morpeth Riverside Lodge.

The Birtley boxer was previously scheduled to kick-off his career in the paid ranks on July 24, but injuries to key fighters caused the Relentless Promotions show to be postponed, before the re-arranged bill on August 21 was cancelled.

White, 24, was disappointed at the setback, but believes he is now more than ready to prove his ability, and display the rewards of his hard work.

He said: “I’ve been able to do plenty of training since I was last scheduled to fight, and I’ve improved a lot through that.

“When the opening bell goes it will be time to show all the hard work I’ve done in the gym.

“I definitely want the win and I will get it, but I also want to stand out so people remember me. I can’t wait to get in there and show what I can do.”

Morpeth’s first professional boxing show since the 1930’s includes three fighters making their debuts, as White joins Danny Wall and Paul Gidney.

Also on the bill is Anthony Nelson, who features for the first time since lifting the coveted Commonwealth strap in April.

In preparation for his first professional outing, White has had regular sparring sessions with Nelson, and the 24-year-old acknowledges that working alongside the Commonwealth champion has been a valuable experience.

“It’s great to learn from Anthony. He’s got a lot of experience and done really well for himself. The sparring has been really good, and I couldn’t ask for much better really.

"The amateur game compared to the professionals is very different, and working alongside him has helped me adapt and pick up new things.”

White, who was an amateur national champion, trained under Gary Barr and Ronnie Rowe for a period in the amateurs, and hailed his time with the duo as the best he had ever boxed.

Therefore when he decided to turn over to the professional ranks, he was keen to re-unite with Rowe and Barr at Fighting Chance Promotions.

As a result, White joined Fighting Chance in June, and is assured that the stable’s vast experience will be valuable as he starts his fledgling career.

“I feel settled into the Fighting Chance stable. We’ve got a great group and we all work together.

“The other lads have a lot more experience, so I’ve got them to look up to, and if I need advise I can approach them.

"Ronnie and Gary are great coaches as well.”

White added: “I’ve always wanted to turn professional. And now that I’ve got the chance to do it, I’m going to take the opportunity with both hands. I want to aim for the top and reach my full potential.”

If you, or your company want to to be part of Mark White’s bid for success in professional boxing via sponsorship, please email fighting.chance@mail.com or personal message the Fighting Chance Promotions facebook page, and we’ll get back to you.