Glenn Foot is not the only Sunderland star in Commonwealth title action tonight.
While ‘The Hammer’ defends his light-welterweight belt against Robbie Davies Jnr in Newcastle, Thomas Essomba is having a shot at the vacant Commonwealth bantamweight championship 300 miles further south.
The 30-year-old adopted Wearsider, now living in Stockton, will fight Scottish wunderkind Lee McGregor at the famous York Hall in a fight which will be shown live on Channel 5.
Big things are predicted of the 21-year-old who is a team-mate of Josh Taylor and is backed by Barry McGuigan’s Cyclone Promotions.
However, McGregor has boxed only four times (all inside the distance victories), while Essomba has four championship bouts in an 11-contest career.
Lee has some height and reach advantage, but Essomba has something money can’t buy – experience. Oh, and plenty of skill.
His manager, Kieran Farrell, has total faith in the former Cameroon team captain.
“He’s been knocking out sparring partners and this is his last big chance really,” said Farrell.
“We are confident he’ll beat Lee McGregor.
“A lot of people are mentioning the size difference.
“If Lee McGregor makes use of it then it would be an advantage but let’s talk about experience.
“Thomas has been to two Olympic Games and boxed over 270 amateur fights.
“He is a former Commonwealth champion and won the English title at bantamweight.
“Then you’ve got McGregor who had just over 40 amateur bouts and only four as a pro.
“Either way it’s going to be a top fight.”
Words: Roy Kelly
