Waq is back! One of the North-East’s finest fighters is to make his ring return.
Mohammed Waqas will tape up his gloves for the first time in FIVE years when he boxes on the undercard of the Martin and Tommy Ward show at Houghton on Friday, July 27.
2018 has been the year of the comeback in the North-East after ex-Commonwealth champion Anthony Nelson returned after a two-year break and former Prizefighter finalist Chris ‘Hightower’ Burton resumed after a six-year-absence.
Waqas is back, ironically, for the first time since a points defeat to Nelson in a Northern Area super-flyweight championship belter at the 2013 Summer Rumble.
The Middlesbrough boxer made a lightning start to his career in 2012, with four wins, followed by three defeats, including that derby with Nella.
Coach Imran Naeem (pictured above with Waqas) told punch-lines he is excited to see the 26-year-old back at the Rainton Meadows Arena.
“Waqas hasn’t boxed for five years do to work and life commitments,” said Imran, who coaches Luke Cope, ‘Smokin’ Joe Maphosa and ‘Turbo’ Terry Tyers, as well as being part ofd Team Ritson.
“He decided he wanted to try again.
“At the age of 26 I feel as though he has matured and only now understands living the life and staying in the gym.
“There are some big opportunities awaiting him next year if he can rebuild from where he left off.”
It promises to be a feast of boxing at the Rainton Meadows Arena.
The Dennis Hobson Promotions event, staged in association with Dave Garside and Phil Jeffries, will have two super-bantamweight title fights at the top of the show.
Martin Ward has a third crack at the British title when he faces former champ James ‘Jazza’ Dickens while Tommy Ward meets Ionu Baluta for the UBF European belt.
Elsewhere on the card, there will be an appearance from Yorkshire heavyweight Dave Allen, plus bouts for North-East prospects Chad Ellis, Jordan Ellison, Anth Hardy, Tom Hill, Joe Laws, Kyle Redfearn and Terence Wilkinson.
Words: Roy Kelly
