Mal Gates is ready to send the Rocket into orbit.
The celebrated South Shields boxing coach is looking forward to seeing ‘The Pocket Rocket’, Sam Menzies, make his long-awaited pro debut this month.
Menzies will fight on Steve Wraith’s Sunday afternoon event in Gateshead on February 25.
The 21-year-old faces Ricky Leach over four rounds at the Lancastrian Suite and Gates says he is champing at the bit.
“It’s fabulous to get Sam on the show,” said the coach, who has Paul Gidney in action on the show against ex-Scottish title challenger, Scott McCormack.
Menzies put away his amateur vest last year to join the professional ranks, joining ex-Commonwealth champion Anthony Nelson, Lee Mould, Tom Whitfield and Gidney at Gates’s Harton & Westoe Miners Welfare gym.
The exciting boxer, like Nella, represented Horsley Hill ABC with distinction, and is now ready to be let loose in the pro game.
“It has been brilliant watching him develop,” said Gates.
“From the very start I believed his style was more suited to the pro game.
“But Sam is not just busy and aggressive, he has a lot of natural ability, a good boxing brain and great movement.
“He’s sparred well with Lee and Paul and looks fantastic.”
Words: Roy Kelly. Picture: Gary Bivens
