FIGHT REPORT: Fighting Chance trio win convincingly in Dunston

Mark White (left) with trainer Gary Barr (Images courtesy of www.ImagesBySW.com)

Fighting Chance's Craig Dixon, Mark White and Jone TK continued the stable's winning momentum with all three coming out on top at the Lancastrian Suite, Dunston.

Mark White (1-0) topped the bill in his second professional fight, and outclassed Harvey Hemsley (3-16-1) to take a points decision victory. 

Hemsley holds a reputation of providing stern tests for upcoming prospects, and from the opening bell the super featherweight contest showed signs that it would be a crowd-pleaser as both boxers fought at a fast-paced tempo and exchanged heavy fire. 

In the second round, White displayed his impressive punch variety and the uppercut proved to be key in breaking down his opponent's defence. However the Birtley boxer didn't have it all his own way and was consistently tagged with stinging bodyshots in return. 

White's superior technique and conditioning paid dividends, as he looked the fresher man in the third and fourth round, which allowed him to find success through his quick-fire combinations. 

Upon hearing the referee's scorecard, White was crowned the winner through a 40-37 verdict in his favour. 

The 24-year-old moves his professional record to (2-0) and Hemsley proved to be the perfect learning fight for his development. 

After 11 months out, Craig Dixon (12-1) returned to the professional boxing scene with a bang as he scored the first stoppage of his career against Duane Grimes (1-8).

Dixon had not featured since his Northern Area title defeat to Lee Mould last November, but started the contest with purpose as he utilised his jab to set-up a number of scathing attacks which shook and hurt Grimes.

‘The Birtley Bullet’ stepped up a gear in the second round and dispatched of his opponent after landing a barrage of hooks that forced the referee to step-in and halt the contest.

By earning the first stoppage of his career and boosting his record to (13-1), Dixon sent a message of intent to his welterweight competitors and local rival Lee Mould, who was watching ringside.

Jone TK was the first Fighting Chance boxer of the night to feature, and marked his professional debut by beating Larry Olumbamiwo in a convincing points decision victory.

Olumbamiwo towered over TK with a considerable size advantage, but the Fijian heavyweight was able to use his speed and nimble footwork to land a number of effective ambush attacks.

TK continued to navigate past Olumbamiwo’s jab, but often found himself frustrated as the Londoner adopted negative tactics and fired little in return.

Olumbamiwo was shook momentarily in the third, but TK was unable to get rid off his opponent. However upon hearing the final bell, the Fighting Chance heavyweight won 40-37 on the referee's scorecard. 

TK, who joined Fighting Chance’s growing stable in June, made an impressive debut and will hope to build on his professional record in the coming months.

Elsewhere on the bill, Jeff Saunders continued his knock-out streak by defeating Sylwester Walczak in a first-round blowout, Tom Whitfield beat Danny Little in a points victory, and Richard O’Neil started his professional career with a win over Scott Hellman.

Fighting Chance Promotions would like to thank everyone who attended, and Beta 2, VGS Global, Electrical and Security Limited and Ravensworth Construction for their continued support. 

Mark White eager to follow-up impressive debut performance

As he approaches his second professional outing, Fighting Chance super featherweight Mark White is hoping to build on his impressive debut performance.

White, 24, was part of Steve Wraith’s three-fight bill in Morpeth last month, and received plaudits after a composed and disciplined display against Russ Midgley led him to win every round on the referee’s scorecard.

Following the victory, the Birtley boxer only had three days rest before returning to the gym for preparation for his next scheduled fight, on Oct 17 at the Lancastarian Suite, Dunston.

Prior to his debut in the paid ranks, White had not fought in a competitive contest for three years, and believes that now the ring-rust is gone there are no excuses to not improve in each and every fight.

He said: “I’m still buzzing from my professional debut. It was all-new as I hadn’t fought without headguards before.

“In the first round I suffered from ring rust, but after that I got into my rhythm and I was really happy with my performance.

“Now I’ve got back in the ring, it’s about improving each time. It kept me motivated to know that I had this fight so soon after my professional debut.

“I’ve been straight back into the gym and that’s made it easier, as my fitness is already there and my weight is on target.”

White is facing a much more experienced opponent this time round in the form of Harvey Hemsley, who has only won three of his twenty contests but has a reputation of providing stern opposition for upcoming prospects.

White insists that despite the step-up in opponent, it is key he concentrates on imposing his own strengths as opposed to worrying what his competitor can do.  

He added: “I don’t know anything about my opponent, but it doesn’t bother me. I’ll just keep putting the training in, and apply my hard work when it comes to fight night.

“I’m always looking to improve and hopefully I can do that on the 17^th of October.”

Tickets for Sudden Impact on Oct 17, at the Lancastrian Suite, Dunston can be purchased from any fighters on the bill, or from www.relentlesspromotions.co.uk. Tickets from £35. 

Andrew Buchanan retires from boxing after eye injury

Andrew Buchanan has been forced to call time on his boxing career after suffering a serious eye injury.

The 35-year-old picked up the injury during sparring, and after seeking specialist help has been advised to retire to avoid further health implications.

The career-ending injury comes after a promising spell for Buchanan, in which he was unbeaten in six fights (two draws), and had progressed up the super middleweight rankings to earn an eliminator for the English title.

Speaking on the decision to retire, he said:

“The injury is constantly giving me bother, and the doctors have advised me to not take any risks with it. If I was young, I could get surgery, but at my age I think it is time to take a step-back from boxing.

“I have to put my health first. It has been a tough decision, but I need to do what is best for my family. They are always going to be number one, and I want to make sure I can be there for them.

“I would like to thank anyone who has seen me fight or supported me. I’ve really appreciated the support I have got over the years.”

Buchanan held a prestigious amateur record and boxed for England, but upon turning professional was often plagued with misfortune and inactivity.

The Newcastle boxer fought 11 times in a stop-start career, recording eight wins, two draws and just one defeat.

North East fight fans will hold Buchanan’s draw against Jonson McClumpha in high regard, as the six-round bout that featured on Phil Jeffries’ 2013 Summer Rumble was hailed as a contender for regional fight of the year.

Only five months later, Buchanan solidified his reputation as a technically sound operator by outpointing Gary Boulden over ten rounds to lift the International Masters title. 

But in a bid to box more regularly and aim for major titles, ‘El Cannon’ joined Fighting Chance’s stable in January 2015.

Although he only fought once under the Fighting Chance banner, Buchanan is extremely grateful for the opportunities provided at the Felling-based gym.

“I would have liked more fights under the Fighting Chance stable.

“Ron Rowe (FC chief coach) and Lewis Pendleton (FC director) have done everything they have said they would do when I originally signed. I really can’t fault them.

“They showed a lot of faith in me, and got me a lot of good opportunities. They pushed me towards a Northern Area title, and an English title eliminator."

Buchanan insists he will continue to support the Fighting Chance stable, and is hopeful that in the future he can step into a coaching role and pass on guidance to the rising crop.

He added: “I want some time with my family first, but I’ve spoke to Ron and Lewis about helping out in the future with Fighting Chance in a coaching role.

“It would be great to put something back into the sport. I still have a lot of boxing knowledge that I can pass on.

“I like picking up on certain techniques, and hopefully I can do that at the Fighting Chance gym.”

Fighting Chance chief coach, Ronnie Rowe worked with Buchanan as an amateur, before they re-united in the professional ranks.

Speaking on Buchanan’s decision to retire, he said:

“He has been a great part of the team. Unfortunately boxing is a tough sport and these things happen. We wish him all the best for the future.

“In the short period he has been with us, it has been a brilliant experience. We would love to have him back to help with coaching. He still has a lot to give to boxing, and will remain part of the Fighting Chance organisation."

Fighting Chance director, Lewis Pendleton added: “I’m incredibly disappointed that due to Andy’s serious eye injury, we will not be able to get him the title we promised.

“He is a model professional and a fantastic ambassador for the sport. He is probably the most gifted boxer to not win a major title.

“Everyone at Fighting Chance wishes Andy every success in the future. Ultimately he has made the right decision, as family and health is far more important than any boxing title.”

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.

An open letter from directors Lewis Pendleton and Ron Rowe MBE‏: “We give boxers a Fighting Chance”

Fighting Chance Promotions were born out of giving boxers opportunities. In November 2013, we collaborated to develop and create unique opportunities for north east fighters. 

And a strong team has assembled since, which includes Gary Barr as trainer, Chris Clayton: MSC Performance Nutritionist, Andre Tulip: Physiotherapist, Martin Nugent and Louis Cunningham: Strength and conditioning coaches, Michael Briggs (MFB media): Digital and social media officer, Steven White: Chief photographer and our media officer, Nathan Orr. 

Strong foundations have been laid for the Fighting Chance stable, and the whole team work tirelessly to put the boxers in the best position possible - which is the least they deserve in such a tough sport. 

Craig Dixon with Gary Barr

Fighting Chance started this journey when Craig Dixon won the International Masters title on Steve Wraith’s ‘Young Guns’ bill. The show was important to build Craig and display his immense boxing ability. It has been difficult to match him since, but we believe his talent will allow him to go on to win major titles.

Jon-Lewis and Travis Dickinson have achieved great things in boxing, and it's a tremendous feat that both have won the Prizefighter tournament, which was aired live on Sky Sports.

After winning the competition, Jon-Lewis went on to win the Northern Area title, English title, and became the first boxer from Tyneside to retain the Lonsdale belt outright.

Meanwhile, Travis Dickinson has boxed in front of huge audiences. The highlight being when 2.6 million people tuned into his fight against Matty Clarkson, which was aired on Channel 5 and was hailed as a fight of the year contender.

In his upcoming fight, Travis has the opportunity to redeem his last defeat when he defends his English title, live on Boxnation, on October 30^th against Miles Shinkwin.

Reigning English light heavyweight champion, Travis Dickinson. 

Following the announcement that Matchroom Sport were coming to the north east after signing Bradley Saunders, we were introduced to Eddie Hearn and duly negotiated that Jon-Lewis and Travis would box on the Metro Radio Arena bill in April.

The highlight of the night for many was Jon-Lewis outboxing and stopping Stephen Simmons to win the WBC International title. For us it proved that by fully supporting our fighters, it provides the biggest platform for them to deliver.

In the past year, we have also kept our fighters busy by working with Steve Wraith and Relentless Promotions.

We have added a number of exciting talents to our stable. Fijian heavyweight Jone TK joined earlier this summer and comes with a good amateur pedigree.

Also joining the team is Mark White who has boxed for England. It’s exciting to see how Mark will adapt to the professional game, and he will make his debut on September 18 on the ‘New Kids On The Block’ show, which will be promoted by Steve Wraith and Relentless Promotions.

Lewis Scott holds a bright future and we look forward to seeing how far he can go in the sport. In the last few months, we have worked hard on getting him back to his best after injury troubles.

We are proud to have provided Andrew Buchanan a final chance in boxing, as we look to provide the opportunities he deserves. We were thoroughly disappointed that his Northern Area title shot fell through due to O’Neill picking up an injury. But Andy’s attitude is second to none, and he would cause problems for any fighter at domestic level.

New signings Jone TK and Mark White

Our team provides unrivalled opportunities having worked with major promoters like Eddie Hearn, Frank Warren, Mick Hennessy and Dennis Hobson, and of course our fruitful working relationship with Steve Wraith and Relentless Promotions.

We are happy to work with everyone and anyone for the best interests of our fighters and we are able to get these opportunities due to the ability of our boxers and the dedication of the team behind them. 

Fighting Chance Promotions would like to thank all of our partners and sponsors who make things possible. Special thanks must go to MFB media, ImagesBSW, Portland Consulting Engineers, Arch Homes, WM utilities, Onesign print and digital, Ravensworth Construction, Zoemick commercials, Wear Mini Mix, Roflow, Winns Solicitors, Intu Metroentre, Made Television and  VGS Global.

Together we are #TeamFC.