No-one could argue that North-East boxing is not riding the crest of a wave at the present time.
Three major champions is some record and there is no denying that Glenn Foot, Josh Kelly and Lewis Ritson are three of the most exciting fighters between lightweight and welter.
But it’s not just about quality, the quantity level is just as high.
Just look at the recent so-called small-hall shows, both Darlington and Sunderland have been absolute belters, with some real humdingers.
The North-East boxing public were robbed of a potential humdinger between Ellis Corrie and Basi Razak at the Dolphin Centre when Basi pulled out just minutes before the scheduled eight-rounder.
That Darlington v Newcastle battle did not make the start line, here’s one derby that surely will: Tom Whitfield v Ellis Corrie.
The date, Saturday, September 8. The venue, Dunston.
Corrie (pictured right at the weigh-in of the fight that wasn’t) has two wins to his name and one defeat, a tight points loss to Welsh prospect Maredudd Thomas in the battle of the two unbeaten light-welterweights in Ebbw Vale.
Whitfield has boxed six times, following four straight wins with back-to-back stoppage defeats to Daniel Cope and Kelly, neither of which were anything to be ashamed about.
It has the makings of a classic derby, between a young prospect on the up and an experienced hand looking for a way back into the mix.
Top marks to Ellis and Tom, and their respective coaches, Pete Shepperson and Mal Gates. There is no ducking matters, no side-stepping difficult fights. These bouts are the sort of matches the fight game needs.
To have this September 8 match at the Lancastrian Suite announced with eight weeks to go just shows what good shape North-East boxing is in.
A number of the region’s best up and coming talent will be on the show promoted by the alliance of Phil Jeffries and Steve Wraith.
Words: Roy Kelly
