Paul Gidney to challenge James Beech Jnr in battle of unbeaten prospects

Ambition! Paul Gidney has tons of it and he’s ready to go and take his first belt.

The unbeaten South Shields fighter will tackle fellow undefeated boxer, James Beech Jnr, for the British Promoters super-bantamweight challenge belt on Friday, April 13.

Gidney, fresh from an excellent points win over Scott McCormack on his comeback in February, takes on the Midlander in Birmingham over eight rounds.

The 21-year-old was already in the gym in the build-up to the Steve Wraith show at Temple Park, on Saturday, April 28, when Anthony ‘Babyface’ Nelson headlines, and then this opening came up.

“It’s a brilliant opportunity,” said coach Mal Gates. “These are the fights he wants.

“When he was coming back for the Dunston show and Chrissy Wood pulled out of their title fight, he insisted it was a live opponent and he had a great win over McCormack.

“This is another great fight and I fancy it.

“He sparred eight rounds non-stop with Nella last night and the weight is not an issue.

“No-one deserves it as much as this kid , his work ethic is unreal.

“After watching that spar with Anthony I have every confidence the belt is coming to South Shields.”

It has the makings of some bout at the Holiday Inn in Solihull.

Gidney has won all three of his pro bouts, two less than Beech, who has a good following in his home town of Bloxwich.

He is the son of former pro, Jimmy Beech, who operated at featherweight and fought in the North-East, beating Hartlepool’s James Rooney in Seaton Carew.

But Gidney, certainly on the evidence of that win over McCormack, has every chance.

Gidney took to Facebook to unveil the news.

“Buzzing to announce I will be boxing for my first title on April 13th when I travel to Birmingham to box James Beech Jnr for the British Super -Bantamweight challenge belt over 8x3s,” he said.”It’s going to be a real tough fight but we have to fight the best to be the best.

“I would like to take the time to thank all my sponsors for getting me this far to date and all my fans for coming to watch me and supporting me on my journey so far #Cloudfm #Therattler #tinkersmiths #thefiddlersthree #theswan #guiltfreekitchen.”

Words: Roy Kelly