Reece McAllister will “take everything in his stride” this Saturday when he makes his big transfer into the boxing ring.
That is the prediction from coach Pete Shepperson ahead of the Darlington-based fighter’s pro debut at ‘Tear up on Tyneside’ at Dunston, where he will meet Yorkshire’s Said Zahoor over six rounds.
McAllister already knows his way around a ring, having established himself as a leading international exponent in Thai Boxing, where pretty much every area of the arms and legs can be utilised.
Now it’s just the two fists for the Newton Aycliffe star who fights out of Pete Shepperson’s DBMA stable and is guided by manager Steve Wraith, who promotes Saturday’s show alongside Phil Jeffries.
Shepperson can’t wait to see Reece in the ring at the Lancastrian Suite.
“I think Reece will impress a lot of people,” said the DBMA coach.
“I’m not saying he’ll have no nerves at all but I do believe he’ll take everything in his stride.
“He’s never boxed before but he’s used to fighting in the ring and he’s been adapting to the changes that are required.
“Given this is his first appearance, amateur or pro, we’ve done a lot of rounds in sparring.
“Reece has been excellent and I can’t wait to see him do it for real in the ring.”
McAllister established some reputation as a Thai boxer, representing Phoenix Thai Boxing in Shildon.
While Shepperson says a hip problem hastened his switch from Thai to Marquess of Queensberry, he insisted it was something that was always going to happen.
“Reece was a great fighter, a three-time world champion, known in Thailand and all over the world,” Pete told punch-lines. “But he’s been on about taking up boxing for a while.
“He had about a year out of Thai with a hip injury and after coming back it happened again.
“The injury probably made his mind up for him, but this was something he was always going to do.”
To emphasise just how serious he is taking it, the 26-year-old will be making his debut over SIX rounds, not the four most new professionals take part in.
Reece (pictured above with Terry Tyers on the right) heads the bill with DBMA stablemate, John Green, who is back after a 38-month absence.
The Middlesbrough fighter, who has not boxed since beating Peter Cope to become the Northern Area champion at the 2015 Summer Rumble, is matched with Belfasts’s Alec Bazza.
It is a lively card at Dunston where Hartlepool’s Luke Cope. Trimdon’s ‘Turbo’ Terry Tyers and Mohammed Waqas, from Middlesbrough, fly the NPBA flag in Stockton.
There is a debut too for Wallsend amateur, Anth Ornsby.
For tickets, go to www.proboxingnewcastlegateshead.com or contact any of the boxers.
Words: Roy Kelly
