FIGHTING CHANCE PROMOTIONS PRESENT ‘CONQUEST’ - A NIGHT OF PROFESSIONAL BOXING ON JUNE 25th AT GATESHEAD LEISURE CENTRE

Fighting Chance Promotions are delighted to announce ‘Conquest’ - a night of professional boxing on June 25, at Gateshead Leisure Centre, which will be broadcasted on Made Television.

The bill includes a strong mix of some of the region’s most talented upcoming prospects alongside those more experienced.

Mark White (3-0) was one of the shining lights on Fighting Chance’s inaugural show in March, scoring two knockdowns against Phil Hervey, before coming out victorious via a 40-34 points victory.

‘Dynamite’ has adapted quickly to the professional ranks and as a result will be facing tougher opposition in his next bout. 

Those who have attended his last two performances will know that Jone Volau TK (2-0) provides value for money when he steps into the ring. The Fijian Heavyweight has shown a crowd-pleasing aggressive style in both of his contests, and especially so in March, where he came past Remigijus Ziausys in a bloodied four-round battle.

At the age of 32, ‘The Brown Bomber’ has no time to waste, and is targeting silverware in the near future – in the form of the Northern Area strap. But before venturing for titles, TK will hope to boost his record to (3-0) on the ‘Conquest’ bill.

Stablemate Jamie Jones (1-0) will also feature. The former mixed martial artist was thrown in at the deep end upon turning over by being selected as one of Craig Dixon’s chief sparring partners.

And that experience appeared to pay off for Jones when he marked his professional debut in a one-sided contest against Aaron Robinson. ‘Boom Boom’ has won a variety of titles across as range of combat sports, and has high hopes that he can transcend that success into boxing.

While some of the fighters on the bill are at the very start of their career, others, who are more experienced, will be looking to get back to winning ways. Northern Area champion Gary Fox (11-4) has suffered three consecutive defeats, albeit two of which have been to stern opposition – in the form of Scott Cardle and Kirk Goodings.

Mal Gates’ highly esteemed gym has made headlines through the success of former Commonwealth champion, Anthony Nelson. And stablemate, Paul Gidney (2-0) will hope to follow in his footsteps. ‘The Dog’ is renowned for his hard work rate, and will be targeting a move to (3-0) on June 25.

Elsewhere, Danny Wall (2-0) and Basi Razaq (4-1-1) will also feature.

‘Conquest’ will be aired on Made Television, which broadcasts on Freeview channel 7, Virgin 159 and Sky Guide 117 for Made in Bristol, Made in Leeds and Made in Tyne & Wear, and Made in Cardiff on Freeview 134, Virgin 159 and Sky Guide 23.

Want to see all of the action in person? Tickets are available to purchase from: www.fightingchancepromotions.eventbrite.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

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.