International stars are hardly in short supply in the North-East at this moment in time.
In alphabetical order, Josh Kelly, Savannah Marshall, Lewis Ritson and Tommy Ward (or Thomas Patrick Ward perhaps that should read?) are all proud owners of belts with important letters.
However, the arrival of a top-class operator could soon turn the ‘Fab Four’ into the ‘Fantastic Five’.
It might take a few goes to crack the spelling, but learn the name now – Aleksandr Trifonov.
The Ukraine cruiserweight talent, a friend and sparring partner of the incredible Oleksandr Usyk, will soon arrive in Newcastle, where he will be based at O’Tooles, coached by Glenn McCrory, managed by Steve Wraith and sponsored by the man behind O’Tooles, Neil Conlon.
Some may remember him for a stint with Birtley ABC five years ago, winning the prestigious Haringey Cup during his stay in the North-East.
“It’s really close now,” Wraith told punch-lines.”It’s been a long process, a lot of hoops have had to be jumped through and so much red tape to negotiate with the Home Office
“But we are almost there and it’s very exciting, not just for us but North-East boxing, who will be getting something a little bit different with Alex.
“Quite a few have already seen him in the North-East and we’re looking forward to him coming back and putting him on the road to glory.”
Trifonov is pals with Usyk, not to mention an old amateur rival of one of the world’s best pound-for-pound fighters.
The O’Tooles boxer (pictured right) is a regular training partner of the Ukraine superstar and Wraith says that is an indicator of just how good a fighter the North-East is adopting.
“Look at who he trains with and who wants him for sparring before his fights,” said the Geordie manager and promoter. “It shows the level Alex is at.
“Glenn McCrory sparred something like 96 rounds with Mike Tyson and we know what Glenn went on to do – he became the North-East’s first world champion.
“These are exciting times and we’re confident Alex will be going in the same direction.”
Words: Roy Kelly
