One of the North-East’s busiest boxers can put the seal on a great first year on the professional stage in Dunston on Saturday.
Lawrence Osueke fights for the seventh time inside eight months when he faces Hungary’s Norbert Szekerers in the main event at the Christmas Cracker at the Lancastrian Suite.
The 30-year-old has won all six of his bouts since turning professional, with one coming inside the distance.
His biggest scalp was taken last month when he used his immense skill and perfect temperament to defeat former top line super-middleweight, Charles Adamu, at the Metro Radio Arena.
“I’m really happy with how the year has gone,” Osueke told punch-lines. “I’ve been very active and I’ve boxed on two arena shows.
“It’s been fantastic to have an opportunity on the big stage.
“I’ve had some good tests which is what I needed after having a few years out of the ring.
“I’m not saying I’m at title level, I’m just happy to be back in the mix after not boxing for quite a bit of time.
“I was never out of the gym and I was fit, but it’s different to having fights.
“I couldn’t have wished for this year to have gone any better and I’m now looking to end it with a bang.”
Szekerers is a regular figure in UK venues, where he is yet to win.
But, as a word of warning, he cannot be taken lightly given he picked up a result last time out, drawing with winning boxer Alis Sijaric in Germany.
Osueke says he has left all the analysis of the 32-year-old to manager, Steve Wraith, and trainer, Niki Gittus (pictured above with Lawrence).
“I’ve not looked too closely at him,” said the former Rye Hill ABC boxer. “I’m just concentrating on putting in a good performance.”
Osueke boxed with impeccable concentration and composure last month against a wily old bird in Adamu, who proved very awkward indeed.
“It was not the most stylish of fights,” said the ex-ABA champion. “He was coming in low with his head and was trying to tie me up.
“Cuts are not good for my career so I was wary and looked to box carefully.
“The best thing I cam probably say is that it was a good learning fight and now I’m looking forward to putting on a good show on Saturday.”
Tickets are available on the door for the show which also stars Thornaby’s Joe Maphosa, Wallsend debutant Anth Ornsby and Triple T, ‘Turbo’ Terry Tyers from Trimdon.
Doors open at 5pm with the first bout at 6pm.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Jennifer Charlton
