Gus Robinson Developments boxing team face a busy finale to the season with three bouts on one night, in two different locations.
Jordan Ellison and Anth ‘Hitman’ Hardy will fight at the double Ward title show in Houghton on Friday, July 27, while it’s another ‘ton’ for Greg ‘Real Deal’ O’Neil as he heads for Bolton.
Gus Robinson Developments head coach Peter Cope says the excitement is building at their Hartlepool HQ.
“It could be a proper good night,” Cope told punch-lines. “It’s brilliant to have Anth back after over a year out and Jordan is boxing at home for the first time in 18 months.
“Greg is up against an unbeaten kid, so that’s a great contest as well.”
Starting with the two four rounders at the Rainton Meadows Arena, Hardy (pictured above right alongside O’Neil) makes a welcome return against Mike Williams, while Ellison tackles Alec Bazza.
Quality southpaw Hardy, who has a record of nine wins and just two defeats, has been out since April 2017 and has a tricky return against the Leicester man who fought to the bitter end against Tom Hill at the Summer Rumble at the start of the month.
Belfast battler Bazza is a familiar visitor to the North-East, having fought in Houghton in March and at Newcastle last September.
“Anth has had injury issues and has changed jobs,” added Cope. “But he’s an outstanding professional, so he’s in great shape and ready to go.
“It is a good fight for him.
“This is a big night for Jordan.
“He has boxed on the road since he joined us and that’s been his decision, he doesn’t want to be involved in ticket deals.
“But he wanted a home contest so his family, friends and fans can get to watch him so this is important to him.”
O’Neil has the most difficult assignment as he faces undefeated Nathan Wheatley at the Macron Stadium over six rounds.
Wheatley, from Warrington, has reeled off nine straight victories at the start of his career while the Hartlepool and Horden middleweight has fought 10 times, winning six and losing four, his most recent success coming in Darlington, where he outpointed ex team-mate Richard O’Neill over six thrilling rounds.
“Greg has a chance,” said Cope. “Nathan’s record is a very good one, but Greg is a fighter and not worried by stuff like that.
“He’s just had a cracking win away from home and I hope he can carry that form in Bolton.”
Words: Roy Kelly
