Charlie Edwards? You’re good but you are going to have to wait!
Anthony Nelson was this week trying NOT to dream about World Boxing Association glory in Newcastle.
Nelson was on the top table at Eddie Hearn’s press conference at Newcastle Civic Centre on Tuesday, when he unveiled Matchroom’s exciting June 16 show.
The exciting 32-year-old will fight one of the promoter’s star turns, Edwards, for the vacant WBA Continental super-flyweight title (pictured above).
However, first on the agenda is the not-so-small-matter of a fight in his home town.
Nelson returns to the ring, for the first time in exactly two years, this Saturday in South Shields.
‘Babyface’ meets Simas Volosinas over six rounds at Temple Park, where Steve Wraith promotes.
Lithuania’s number one should not trouble the Mal Gates-trained star, not that anything will be taken for granted.
“I cannot afford any kind of slip up or cut,” said Anthony. “I will have the Sunday off but then I will be back in the gym preparing for this challenge against Charlie.
“I will treat Saturday as part of the fight camp.
“We can’t take a step back, we must keep moving forward.”
To be fair to Nelson he has put in an enormous amount of work already.
He has shed over two stones to get a slightly chubby frame down to fighting shape.
But he admitted the opportunity Hearn has presented against Edwards has scuppered his plans for a calorie blow-out on Sunday.
“I was planning on having a major relapse and having lots of cake but I can’t do that now!” laughed the former Horsley Hill amateur star.
Nelson headlines a six-fight promotion at the arena where he defeated Terry Broadbent to become English super-fly champ in 2014.
The event very much showcases the ‘little men’, with Nelson’s diminutive Harton & Westoe Miners Welfare team-mates Paul Gidney and Sam Menzies also in action.
So too is pocket-sized Teessider, Joe Maphosa, the unbeaten Thornaby flyweight. Undefeated Sedgefield light-welterweight, Jeff Saunders fights for the first time since November, while Lawrence Osueke carres the flag for the bigger fellas with four rounds at light-heavy.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Ian Horrocks/Matchroom
