Paul Gidney is just weeks away from a return to the boxing ring – and it’s not the contest he bargained for.
The all-action South Shields fighter had been lined up for a belting North-East derby against Darlington’s Chris Wood at Dunston on Sunday, February 25.
Gidney, who has not taped up his gloves since outpointing Phil Hervey in March 2016 at the Lancastrian , will now face Scott McCormack at the same venue.
A clash with Wood for a challenge belt was no easy comeback and neither is his new foe as coach Mal Gates explained.
“I got a call to say Chris Wood was out,” said the highly-respected coach. “But not out injured, out full stop, I was told he was packing in.
“I couldn’t believe it, just a few weeks out from the fight.
“Thankfully (matchmaker) Mick Marsden has played a blinder and got McCormack.
“This is a tougher fight but it’s what Paul wants – Scott has had nine fights and boxed twice for the Scottish title.”
McCormack has a record of five wins and four defeats, his losses coming against top opposition, including fellow Scot Iain Butcher last time out.
“As soon as we knew the Wood bout was off, Paul said ‘I don’t want a journeyman’,” added Gates.
“After being in training for so long, we both wanted a proper fight, not someone turning up to cover up.
“Paul is bang up for it and he’ll have a go.”
The 21-year-old had been due to fight Luke Fash in Darlington in December but his third pro bout was called off at the 11th hour after his opponent suffered a family bereavement.
But this Steve Wraith-promoted confrontation is a highly-anticipated one on a Sunday afternoon event.
Gidney took a break from his career, quite understandably, as he was involved in a greater fight as his daughter, Poppy, fought and beat cancer.
The boxer, who has just won a sponsorship deal with Guilt Free Kitchen, though has been back in the Harton & Westoe Miners Welfare gym for some time, as Gates explained.
“Paul was in good shape for the fight with Luke,” said Gates.
“But Luke’s dad died in the week before the show and while he said he would still fight he understandably pulled out.
“A title fight with Chrissy came up for Steve’s show which we were excited and confident about.
“It was disappointing to get the news about him pulling out but this is a harder contest.”
Paul would like to thank sponsors, Guilt Free, Tinker Smiths Cocktail Bar, The Rattler Bar & Grill and Cloud FM for sponsoring him.
Words: Roy Kelly
