HOMECOMING FOR JOSH LEATHER ON MARCH 26th

Guisborough’s Josh Leather is considered one of Britain’s brightest boxing talents, and consequently he has had the spotlight firmly placed on him throughout his professional career.

Upon turning over, the former England amateur captain and 2012 senior ABA lightweight champion signed with promoter Frank Warren, and a string of appearances on BoxNation have followed.

Leather has featured in a number of high-profile bills across the country, but it has come at a price, as it’s been two years since he fought in the North East.

In his return to the region on March 26 at Gateshead Leisure Centre, the 24-year-old is aiming to put on a show for his loyal supporters.

 “When the opportunity to fight in the North East came up, I had to take it. It’s good to get support from where I live – especially considering how small Guisborough is. They’ve always been there for me, and the last time I fought at Gateshead Leisure Centre it was amazing coming out to a home-crowd.”

Over the duration of two and a half years, Leather has built an impressive record, and is unbeaten in eight fights. However, the light welterweight acknowledges a return to the North East could benefit him in fighting more often as he looks towards domestic honours.

“I need to be out every two or three months. If I can get on local shows as well as BoxNation shows it would let me build my record and that’s what I want to do. By end of this year I want to be in the top ten in the division domestically, and then look at challenging for the English title.

“Hopefully one day I will be headlining big shows in the North East – whether it’s a domestic title or even a world title in the future.”

Leather has had the best preparation imaginable by sparring with WBO lightweight champion Terry Flanagan. In gaining such an experience it has allowed Leather and his coach Imran Naeem to target what improvements need to be made.

“I did around 65 rounds of world class sparring with Terry Flanagan. It’s brought me on a lot and taught me what I need to work on and what things I need to put right. But overall it gave me a lot of confidence to spar with a top quality fighter and a world champion.”

Fighting Chance Promotions host ‘Genesis’ – a night of professional boxing show on March 26, at Gateshead Leisure Centre. The bill includes an array of North East talent, including Jon-Lewis Dickinson, Glenn Foot, Josh Leather, Jone TK and Mark White amongst others. 

Tickets can be purchased from any of the boxers on the bill or from www.fightingchancepromotions.co.uk

JON-LEWIS DICKINSON TARGETING WORLD HONOURS AS BUSY 2016 APPROACHES

Jon-Lewis Dickinson is widely regarded as one of the North East’s most decorated boxers, and the 29-year-old is confident that a successful 2016 could lead towards world honours.

On a memorable show at the Metro Radio Arena last April, Dickinson proved his worth by halting Stephen Simmons in the eighth round to claim the WBC International Silver title.

However he has not been able to build on that win due to a frustrating period on the sidelines.

He said: “It is nearly a year since my fight against Simmons. Eddie Hearn spoke to me after that win and said that I would feature on another Sky Sports show later in the year. But the show fell through before eventually being cancelled.

“With my wife giving birth I’ve had time at home, but after a long break I now want to keep active and get out as often as possible. Mentally and physically it’s tough to be out for a long time. If you’ve got nothing to train for it’s hard to stay motivated in the gym.”

The County Durham boxer makes his highly anticipated return to the ring on March 26, at Gateshead Leisure Centre against Poland’s Wladimir Letr, who in his last fight on British soil provided a tricky test for Simon Vallily.

As Dickinson prepares for a busy 2016, with a British title eliminator scheduled against Tommy McCarthy, he is wary about underestimating Letr or any opponent he faces – a mistake he admits he made in the past.

“I’ve been in situations before where I’ve underestimated opponents and paid the price. I broke my jaw against Richard Turba and underestimated Courtney Fry’s punch power.

“I need to be switched on for every minute of the fight, and view every opponent as a threat. Letr is a big bloke and ultimately if a 14-stone lad hits you flush on the chin, it’s going to hurt. At the end of the day, any fight is a potential banana skin but it’s important for me to take this fight to keep active.”

After his recent trip to Latvia to spar Mairis Bredis, who was recently crowned IBF-Intercontinental champion, Dickinson has found a new sense of confidence that he can challenge at the highest level. 

“The opportunity came along and I had to take it. I was sparring one of the best cruiserweights in the world and that gave me a lot of confidence knowing that I could mix it with someone at world level. It provided a really good guide to where I’m at.

“I know what I’m capable of when I’m fit and ready. I’m pushing towards fights with Tony Bellew, and a rematch with Ovill McKenzie. I believe I’m one of the best cruiserweights out there, and definitely in Britain. I just need to prove it and keep busy.”

Dickinson’s career has been full of ups and downs. He first burst on to the British boxing scene by lifting the Prizefighter crown as a five-fight novice. Unexpectedly that was soon followed by two shock defeats, in six-rounders to Tyrone Wright and Richard Turba. To add to the disappointment, a broken jaw meant ten months of inactivity.

But he returned with intent and wins against David Dolan for the Northern Area title, and over Matty Askins for the English belt meant that his career was back on track. His title hunt continued and came to fruition when a points decision victory against Shane McPhilbin earned him the British title.

Defences against David Dolan, Mike Stafford and Neil Dawson made history, as he then became the first Tyneside boxer to win the Lonsdale belt outright.

However, just three months later, The Upsetter’ Ovill McKenzie lived up to his nickname by stopping Dickinson within two rounds. Defeat meant he was stripped of his belts and a seven-fight streak came to a sudden halt.

Upon reflection Dickinson believes the defeat against McKenzie and the following loss to Courtney Fry was largely down to a poor state of mind.

“I was in a state of depression when I was training for Ovill McKenzie, it was a tough time in my career. In truth I should have pulled out. My head wasn’t on the job. It wasn’t me in the ring against him.”

In a career-best win Dickinson bounced back with a re-vitilased performance against Simmons, and is now enjoying the sport of boxing more than ever.

He added: “I am now back to enjoying boxing. In the past I haven’t been a massive fan of the sport, I only did it because I was good at it. But I’m starting to really appreciate it now and I am looking forward to keeping busy.

“It’s exciting to be fighting regularly again. In the past I haven’t had that feeling of excitement. Something has just clicked.”

Jon-Lewis Dickinson and Fighting Chance Promotions would like to thank Fightstore Pro and WM Utility Services for their continued support.

Fighting Chance Promotions host ‘Genesis’ – a night of professional boxing show on March 26, at Gateshead Leisure Centre. The bill includes an array of North East talent, including Jon-Lewis Dickinson, Glenn Foot, Josh Leather, Jone TK and Mark White amongst others. 

Tickets can be purchased from any of the boxers on the bill or from www.fightingchancepromotions.co.uk

BASI RAZAQ LOOKING TO BOUNCE BACK FROM FIRST CAREER DEFEAT

Image courtesy of www.peepmagazine.co.uk

Basi Razaq is looking to bounce back from his first career defeat as he faces Danny Little on March 26, at Gateshead Leisure Centre.

In his last performance, the 24-year-old was pushed to the limit throughout a four-round contest and was forced to deal with the adverse effects of a cut caused by a head clash. He struggled from that point onwards and was floored twice in the final round before the referee deemed him in no position to continue.

Razaq insists that loss was just a minor slip-up, and he will be back to his best on Fighting Chance's inaugural show.

“I don’t look at it as a loss. The reason I lost that fight was because of the head clash. I lost so much blood that I felt faint and couldn’t see anything. But I can’t wait to get back in the ring and do what I do best. I’ve been training hard, and with each session I feel more experienced."

The Newcastle boxer started his professional career with a bang by scoring three knockouts in his first three fights. However after his recent loss, Razaq is wary of overlooking any opponent.

“Hopefully there are big things ahead for me, but I can’t overlook Danny Little. I’m never out of the gym and I’m just trying to make a name for myself.”

Fighting Chance Promotions host ‘Genesis’ – a night of professional boxing show on March 26, at Gateshead Leisure Centre. The bill includes an array of North East talent, including Jon-Lewis Dickinson, Glenn Foot, Josh Leather, Jone TK and Mark White amongst others. 

Tickets can be purchased from any of the boxers on the bill or from www.fightingchancepromotions.co.uk

DANNY WALL KEEN TO IMPRESS ON MARCH 26th TRAINING STATESIDE

Pegswood-born boxer Danny Wall makes his second professional outing on March 26, at Gateshead Leisure Centre and is keen to impress after hosting part of his training camp in Los Angeles.

The 27-year-old trained at the Wildcard Gym, which is famous for hosting a number of world champions, including Manny Pacquiao, and for a period Amir Khan.

Wall’s five-week training camp included a plethora of high-quality sparring and sessions with famed coach Freddie Roach.

“People travel from all over America to train at the Wildcard Gym. The sparring was the standout feature. I had some brilliant rounds and took something valuable out of every session.

“When I got there it didn’t seem real. I was nervous beforehand because it’s a gym full of world champions and has quite a hostile atmosphere. But after my first spar I proved that I could really fight and it was easier from that point onwards.

“I haven’t got time to waste and the experience brought me on leaps and bounds. I want to give myself every opportunity to succeed. You will see improvements on fight night, but it won’t be until I’m doing eight and ten round fights that people will really start to take notice of what I’ve learnt.”

On his professional debut in November, Wall clinched a laboured win against Scott Hillman, winning by a margin of a single point.  While things didn’t go to plan, he is assured that he learnt a valuable lesson from that experience.

“Scott Hillman was a tricky fighter. I hit him with clean shots in the first round and he didn’t budge. Then he adjusted and was hard to catch clean again. He ended up coming on strong towards the end of fight, which made it difficult and close on the scorecards.

“But I learnt a lot from that experience, and my coach Tommy Conroy believes I’m a totally different fighter now to how I was then. I’ve just got to keep progressing and getting better by putting the hard work in.”

Back in September, Wall was initially scheduled to make his professional debut in Morpeth – just a stone’s throw from his hometown of Pegswood.

However a last-minute pullout from his opponent meant his dream to headline a professional boxing bill in front of his home fans was left unfulfilled.

Although Wall believes a return to Morpeth could be on the cards in the near future.

He added: “When I got pulled off that bill, my fans all stayed and watched the other three fights. People were upset but no one kicked up a fuss. They were very understanding.

“It’s always been a dream to headline a bill in Morpeth. I’m hearing some good things and hopefully I can fight there very soon. I’ve got a loyal support and they deserve a reward for that.”

Fighting Chance Promotions host ‘Genesis’ – a night of professional boxing show on March 26, at Gateshead Leisure Centre. The bill includes an array of North East talent, including Jon-Lewis Dickinson, Glenn Foot, Josh Leather, Jone TK and Mark White amongst others. 

Tickets can be purchased from any of the boxers on the bill or from www.fightingchancepromotions.co.uk

JAY HUGHES READY TO LEARN THE PROFESSIONAL TRADE ON MARCH 26th

Jay Hughes is the latest boxer to turn professional out of David Binns’ highly esteemed gym in Peterlee.

At the age of 18 many would have expected Hughes to remain in the amateur set-up for a longer period of time – especially considering his success in reaching the ABA schoolboy finals.

However the teenager felt disillusioned with the selection process in the unpaid ranks and feels the professional game is his true calling.

“Everyone is already picked out for the GB squad and with that there is not much chance of me making the team for the Olympics in four years time.

“There are people who have already been selected to box at the next Olympics after Rio, so I thought why not turn professional now. Ultimately everyone who does boxing wants to turn pro.

“It’s a totally different sport but it suits me better. In the amateurs it’s about picking punches and being light on your feet, while in the pros you have to plant your feet and be able to fight for more rounds – which suits me as I get better as the rounds go on.”

In making his debut on March 26, at Gateshead Leisure Centre, Hughes becomes the youngest professional boxer in the North East. While that may be daunting, he has looked to the achievements of Tommy Ward as inspiration.

“If you do everything properly you can’t go wrong. It’s about building up slowly and not getting ahead of yourself. Tommy Ward turned professional at 18 and is now pushing for a British title. He’s built his way up and is now mandatory to face Jazza Dickens - it shows that it can be done.”

By training at David Binns’ gym in Peterlee, the lightweight prospect joins a star-studded lineup that includes some of the best professional boxers on Wearside.

“It is brilliant to train with them. There is Glenn Foot, Darren Richardson and Warren Baister. It motivates me to see what they’ve achieved and then train alongside them."

The teenager added: “I have plenty of time. I am only 18 and have many years to come. For 2016 I am hoping to fight as much as possible. Fighting on shows is important, but all the hard work is done in the gym and for now I just want to concentrate on learning the trade.”

Fighting Chance Promotions host ‘Genesis’ – a night of professional boxing show on March 26, at Gateshead Leisure Centre. The bill includes an array of North East talent, including Jon-Lewis Dickinson, Glenn Foot, Josh Leather, Jone TK and Mark White amongst others. 

Tickets can be purchased from any of the boxers on the bill or from www.fightingchancepromotions.co.uk

MARK WHITE AIMING TO STEAL A HAT-TRICK OF VICTORIES ON MARCH 26th

Since turning professional last year, Mark White has kick-started his career in impressive fashion with two convincing wins - however a career in boxing wasn’t always on the cards.  

White started boxing at Birtley ABC the age of nine during a six-week period over the summer holidays. The Birtley boxer’s talent was quickly recognised and he was swiftly asked to come back.  At that stage he trained with Ron Rowe for the first time in his career – which would soon become a formidable partnership.

“At the age of nine, I trained at Birtley ABC for 6 weeks and absolutely loved it. Boxing teaches a lot of respect from both inside and outside the ropes. It can take an individual a long way and teaches you manners and discipline.”

With the help of Rowe, a pedigree amateur career followed as White boxed for England and won a National Championship. But soon after a hand injury suddenly halted his amateur career and caused a three-year absence from the sport.

After a long period of recovery, White eventually began to contemplate trying his hand at boxing once again, but this time he had his mind set on the professional ranks and a reunion with ex-coaches Ron Rowe and Gary Barr.

“When I came back from my injury I fell in love with the sport again. Everyone who boxes wants to turn professional. I always wanted to do it and I had the chance, so took the opportunity with both hands.  

“Ron worked with my dad in the fire service and for the large part trained me in my amateur career. When I was a senior I worked with Gary Barr. They have been friends for many years, and I knew when I turned professional working with them would be ideal, as they already knew my style. It was the perfect match.”

The winning partnership has continued with White outpointing Russ Midgley and Harvey Hemsley to win his first two outings in the professional game. Despite being landslide victories the 24-year-old believes that he learnt an important lesson in dealing with contrasting styles.

“Hemsley had more experience than Midgley but they had very different styles. I learned to adapt in each fight, and that’s important as different opponents bring different challenges.

“Every fight is a learning curve and I’m still improving with every session I do. I can tell I’m improving when I spar and overall I’m happy with how things have gone so far.”

White, who works as a tyre-fitter in addition to his boxing career, feels he has stepped up a gear since enjoying the benefits of Fighting Chance’s professional setup – which includes strength & conditioning and sports nutrition advice from Chris Clayton.

“Strength and conditioning has been a big help since I didn’t do much in the amateurs. And Chris Clayton’s advice with my diet and nutrition is a great help with what to eat and when.”

Both of White’s performances have been crowd-pleasing wins via decision. But he has no doubt that his power will start to come into its own the near future.

He added: “I’m big for the weight. I’ve got fast hands and the power will come in time. There’s plenty of time for that to develop. Overall I’m an aggressive fighter - I’m not scared of getting into a fight and going into the fire when it counts."

The Birtley boxer is eager to keep impressing and is targeting a hat-trick by winning his third professional fight on March 26, at Gateshead Leisure Centre.

“My aim is to keep winning and improving. The big fights will come and I’ll be ready when they do.”

Mark White and Fighting Chance Promotions would like to thank the Hanlon for their continued support. 

Fighting Chance Promotions host ‘Genesis’ – a night of professional boxing show on March 26, at Gateshead Leisure Centre. The bill includes an array of North East talent, including Jon-Lewis Dickinson, Glenn Foot, Josh Leather, Jone TK and Mark White amongst others. 

Tickets can be purchased from any of the boxers on the bill or from www.fightingchancepromotions.co.uk

Jone TK determined to solider on in heavyweight division

There is no set path that leads an individual to pursue a career in professional boxing, but in a sport that attracts a range of characters, Jone Volau Taukeinikoro’s journey to lacing up the gloves is more unconventional than most.

A native of Fiji with little interest in boxing, ‘TK’ moved to the United Kingdom at the age of 18 to pursue a career in the British Armed Forces. Upon settling, the pugilistic sport soon grasped his attention.

“Boxing has never been popular in Fiji. Instead we are born with a rugby ball in our hands and are well known as the kings of rugby sevens.

“But when I joined the army, boxing caught my attention and as a result I jumped straight into it. That was that and I’ve been boxing since. I love the sport. It’s got everything.”

After over ten years in the army, TK now serves as a bombardier with the Royal Artillery based in Thirsk. And the Fijian has not only gained success in his military career but also in the ring – where he was twice crowned the Combined Services boxing champion.

An extensive career in the unpaid ranks saw the 32-year-old face a number of top amateurs. He fought against Rio 2016 hopeful Frazer Clarke, and was even matched to face Anthony Joshua in the ABAs, before being withdrawn by his coach.

"I was matched to face Anthony Joshua at the 2011 ABAs. This was before he had been selected for Team GB. After the weigh-in my coach, Tony Davies said that he was too strong and too big, and I should just re-enter next year.

“I was gutted as I was there to learn but I took my coach’s advice. Joshua has shown his class to get to the stage where is fighting for a world title. I’m working my way from the bottom, but hopefully one day I’ll be near the top of the sport.”

TK faces a challenge in balancing full-time work alongside training, but in his professional debut towards the end of last year he displayed a certain grit and determination that could take him far in the professional ranks.

In that outing, the Fijian scored a points victory over the experienced Larry Olumbamiwo. And on March 26, at Gateshead Leisure Centre, TK is aiming to continue his winning momentum and add another win to his tally.

“I cannot wait to get back in the ring. I have even more friends and family coming up. Last time on my professional debut I gave away over three stone, and as a result I was wary of his power. But this time around I’ve been working on keeping busy and getting in and out of range.

“It’s good having power but with being a smaller heavyweight I’ve got to use my advantages like my hand-speed and moving around the ring to outbox my opponent.”

While boxing is not popular in his native country, TK draws inspiration from his uncle, who won a gold medal for Fiji at the South Pacific games. With an accolade of such magnitude, he believes that success in boxing could run in the family – with the help of Fighting Chance coaches Ron Rowe and Gary Barr.

“I was introduced to Fighting Chance by a friend. After training and sparring for a few months I asked Ron if they would take me on as a professional. They eventually said yes, and I was over the moon with that decision. It was a big honour to join the team - Gary and Ron don’t take anyone on, you have to show that you really want it.”

He added: “I’ve joined the right gym. I’ve been constantly learning and improving. I want to make Ron, the Fighting Chance stable and my workmates proud.

“In December I am going to push for a Northern Area title fight. But I’ve got to work hard to get there. I want to get to domestic level, and then aim beyond that.”

Fighting Chance Promotions host ‘Genesis’ – a night of professional boxing show on March 26, at Gateshead Leisure Centre. The bill includes an array of North East talent, including Jon-Lewis Dickinson, Glenn Foot, Josh Leather, Jone TK and Mark White amongst others. 

Tickets can be purchased from any of the boxers on the bill or from www.fightingchancepromotions.co.uk

Jamie 'Boom Boom' Jones ready to make seamless transition to boxing on March 26

There aren’t many fighters who get the opportunity to try their hand at both a career in professional boxing and mixed martial arts, but Jamie Jones is aiming to make a seamless transition to the pugilistic sport.

Jones featured in over 100 competitive bouts across a variety of combat sports, and took the plunge to turn professional in MMA under the Cage Warriors banner in February 2013. He quickly backed up his moniker of ‘Boom Boom’ as he developed a reputation as a crowd-pleasing, all-action fighter and held a record of (2-1-1).

However after reflecting on his career, Jones decided that he would make a return to the combat sport he first sampled as a 14-year-old, at Birtley ABC.

“I have kept myself busy in other disciplines, but boxing was never far away. I continued with it throughout my career in mixed martial arts and everybody would notice that my boxing was at a very high level.

“I always knew my passion was boxing. I’ve decided to be true to myself and just give myself a chance. I owe it to myself to be a professional boxer.”

Since joining Fighting Chance, Jones has been welcomed by familiar faces. He worked under Gary Barr and Ron Rowe at Birtley ABC and already knew stablemates Mark White, Craig Dixon and Jon-Lewis Dickinson.

The middleweight prospect did his research prior to signing, and soon realised that re-uniting with Ron Rowe and Gary Barr was the right move for his career.

“I would not just go professional with anybody, I had to do my homework first. But this is the right team for me and that’s why I chose to come here. Fighting Chance have four shows scheduled for this year, and I plan to feature on all four and build a solid foundation.

“I was thrown at the deep end when I arrived. I was chosen as one of Craig Dixon’s chief sparring partners ahead of his British title eliminator. That sparring was great and we brought each other on.”

The Gateshead-born fighter won British and European accolades in the amateur and semi-professional mixed martial arts scene, and with the help of hard work hopes to crossover his success to the professional ranks of boxing.

Many would question if turning professional at the age of 25 is too late to challenge for major honours, but Jones believes the opportunity has come at the perfect time in his career.

“It’s the perfect age for me to turn professional. At this stage in my life I’m mature and have life experience behind me. A lot of fighters turn professional when they are younger and as a result burn themselves out.

“Professional boxing is totally different to what I'm been used to, but I’m ready to make that step-up. Now is my time to push on and hopefully by 2017 I’ve got titles within my reach. I know what is involved to challenge at the highest level and that’s what I intend to do.”

Jones’ hard work and dedication is clear for all to see in the gym, and he is excited to reap the fruits of his labour on his professional debut, on March 26 at Gateshead Leisure Centre.

“I am in the gym every night and I am happy with how everything has been going. I have the right mentality, and no matter what I’ll push through and achieve my goals. “I’ve only been training with Fighting Chance since December and I already feel so much better.

“On my professional debut I’ll be firing on all cylinders. Everything is falling into place. I’ve got a really supportive family and girlfriend. When you get the right balance at home that is when you will go far. I know this is my time to succeed.”

Fighting Chance Promotions host ‘Genesis’ – a night of professional boxing show on March 26, at Gateshead Leisure Centre. The bill includes an array of North East talent, including Jon-Lewis Dickinson, Glenn Foot, Josh Leather, Jone TK and Mark White amongst others. 

Tickets can be purchased from any of the boxers on the bill or from www.fightingchancepromotions.co.uk

Sunderland's Glenn Foot added to March 26 bill at Gateshead Leisure Centre

Sunderland’s Glenn Foot is the latest addition to Fighting Chance’s inaugural show on March 26, at Gateshead Leisure Centre.

The former Prizefighter champion suffered defeat against Sam Eggington in July, but has bounced back with wins over Kirk Goodings and Lukasz Janik. As he looks to challenge for major honours once again, Foot’s intent is evident – as he is scheduled to fight for the second time in three weeks.

Speaking on the announcement to add Foot to the bill, Fighting Chance promoter Lewis Pendleton said:

“It’s great to see the North East pulling together to put on good shows. Jon-Lewis Dickinson, Mark White, Jone TK and Jamie Jones from Fighting Chance are on the bill, but it’s also great to add fighters from outside the stable, such as Glenn Foot, Danny Wall, Basi Razaq and Josh Leather.”

Fighting Chance Promotions host ‘Genesis’ – a night of professional boxing show on March 26, at Gateshead Leisure Centre. The bill includes an array of North East talent, including Jon-Lewis Dickinson, Glenn Foot, Josh Leather, Jone TK and Mark White amongst others. 

Tickets can be purchased from any of the boxers on the bill or from www.fightingchancepromotions.co.uk.