He’s fought all over the world and he’s ready for this.
That is the view of Ellis Corrie’s trainer, Pete Shepperson, as he sends out the Darlington prospect against Newcastle’s Basi Razaq at the Dolphin Centre on Saturday night.
The Geordie holds the advantage in terms of experience, having had nine bouts to just three from the man in the home corner.
However, Shepperson has overseen Corrie’s transformation from Thai fighter to the Marques of Queensberry rules and is convinced he will triumph in the North East derby for the British Promoters Association Challenge Belt.
“On paper Ellis looks the underdog but not in my eyes,” said Shepperson. “He has a lot of fight experience.
“Thai boxing might be a totally different sport, but it’s still experience of being in a ring.
“A lot of experience for someone so young as well.
“He’s fought all over the world, in Thailand and Argentina, to name just two.
“People might think this his a test early in his career, but we’re very confident in his ability, he doesn’t need to be doing four rounders against journeymen, he’s ready now.
“If he produces in the ring what I’ve seen in the gym I can only see Ellis as the winner.”
It is an intriguing match that’s for sure.
Razaq started his career making mincemeat of opponents but has barely taped up the gloves in recent years while Corrie (pictured above left with Reece McAllister) has made a bright start.
Even his close-tough points defeat in Ebbw Vale against corner Wales international, Maredudd Thomas, showed just what he can do.
“You know when you go away to places like that it’s hard to get a points decision,” said Shepperson. “Maredudd was a top Wales international in the amateurs and he won the first round, but I think that’s the only one he did,” added Pete. “Even Gary Lockett, his coach, thought they were fortunate to get the result.
“Ellis is not fazed by big fights because of the experience he’s got.”
It is a busy night for Shepperson at the Horsemarket venue on Saturday night.
Unbeaten super-middle Richard O’Neill puts his unbeaten record on the line against Greg O’Neil over six rounds though the odds of it going the distance could be slim.
Comeback man Chris Burton is in the ring for the first time in over six years as the seasoned Shepperson campaigner faces Romania’s Gheorghe Danut.
Darlington are further represented by former GB amateur ace, Troy Williamson, who is chasing his seventh pro victory.
Martin Ward returns for the first time after losing a challenge for the European super-bantamweight title and there are pro debuts for Luke Cope and Mark Downing.
Words: Roy Kelly
