From Thornley to the King Abdullah Sports City. That’s the trip Darren Surtees has made as he plots an exciting journey into the higher echelons of the light-welterweight division.
The 24-year-old has an amazing opportunity with an appearance on the World Boxing Super Series final in Saudi Arabia where George Groves and Callum Smith meet in their super-middleweight showdown for the Muhammed Ali Cup.
Surtees faces Birmingham’s Kane Baker over six rounds in a good domestic dust-up on the ITV Box Office event.
Both boxers have won eight times though the Co Durham has no blemishes on his record compared to four defeats for the have-a-go Brummie.
While Baker has lost every time he has stepped up a level, on paper this represents the hardest assignment to date for the Northern Area champion.
Dave Binns, who trains Surtees at the East Durham College gym in Peterlee, is confident his man will prevail.
“Daz is looking absolutely brilliant,” Binns told punch-lines from Jeddah.
“When you have a kid who looks like he might go a long way, you need a an opportunity.
“And this is an outstanding opportunity for Darren to be picked to box at an event like this.
“We’ve been to the press conference today which was great and we’re looking forward to Friday night.
“Kane is not bad at all, he’s a game lad who has come here to win.
“But I’m very confident about Darren, he can out-box him, he can out-punch him and I think he’s the better man on the inside and outside,
“Kane has been the full six rounds with Sam Maxwell, who I rate, but I rate Daz higher.
“This is boxing and you can’t discount anyone and I’m not taking anything for granted.
“But I’m pleased Darren has this opportunity and I believe he’ll take it.”
With temperatures in the mid to late 30s in Jeddah, it is a degree or 20 warmer than Thornley.
But Binns has been happy with their preparations.
“It’s very hot here,” he said. “But we are grateful to Sunderland University for allowing us to use their heat chamber.
“We’re prepared, the weight’s fine and we’re looking forward to the fight.”
Surtees v Baker is due in the ring at 6.50pm ahead of Chris Eubank’s 10 rounder with Ireland’s JJ McDonagh.
Groves v Smith is scheduled for an 8pm start for their WBSS final.
Words: Roy Kelly
