Ten out of ten!
That’s the mark a cock-a-hoop Mal Gates has awarded his boxers.
Paul Gidney’s challenge for the vacant British Promoters Association Challenge belt is first up on Friday when he heads to James Beech Jnr’s back yard.
Gidney is then back out again on Saturday, April 28, when pro boxing returns to South Shields, highlighted by Anthony Nelson’s comeback.
Mal’s newest pro, Sam Menzies (pictured above), is also in action.
Two of Gates’s longest-established boxers are in the gym preparing to resume their careers, Lee Mould and Tom Whitfield.
It all means the Harton & Westoe Miners Welfare gym is thriving with a capital T at the present time.
“If you asked me for a mark it would have to be 10 out of 10,” smiled Gates as he finished putting Menzies through his final few stretches.
“Paul looks spot on, he’s bang on the weight and he fancies it.
“He’s sparred a lot of rounds with Nella and Sam and he’s looking really sharp.
“There’s a great feeling in the gym.
“Paul and Sam are just starting their careers. They are spot on with their attitudes, they work really hard in the gym, they are always looking to learn and progress.
“Nella looks fantastic – he has worked so hard to get to where he is now.
“Once he has something in his head, he’s so dedicated, so single-minded, he gives it 150 per cent, there are no half-measures.”
Mould and Whitfield will not box this month, but Gates says they will fight this season.
Whitfield has not fought since losing to Josh Kelly in Newcastle last June, while you have to go back to September 2016 for Mould’s last appearance.
“Tom’s in the gym and hopefully we might have something in June for him,” said Gates. “It will be on the road but that’s what he wants.
“Lee’s getting his weight down at the moment. He wants to box as soon as he can.”
Words: Roy Kelly
