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
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