Darren Surtees is ready to Rumble and he knows his opposition.
That’s great news for the boxer, his team and the North-East fighting public who will get to see him in action at the Stadium of Light on Sunday, July 14.
Surtees has suffered a frustrating 2019 after witnessing his proposed British light-welterweight eliminator in Newcastle called off in May while hopes of an appearance at the WBSS in Glasgow also failed to come to fruition.
However, Surtees WILL box at the Summer Rumble, where he will meet the Des-troyer – Des Newton.
The Devon fighter boasts a 50 per cent record and it’s heartening to see ‘Dazzler’ facing a live, tough opponent rather than some 2-78 Bulgarian. No disrespect to the good people from Bulgaria.
Surtees will, naturally, be a very hot favourite at Sunderland’s ground and his coach, Dave Binns, is expecting a handsome performance rather than a hard-hitting one.
Surtees has a habit of bashing up his opponents – his last three wins have all been rapid with his overall record of 11-0 (8) is mighty impressive.
“Darren does not set out to spark people,” Binns told punch-lines.
“He always goes out to box, it just so happens his power and accuracy have brought the stoppages.”
Binns is happy with the foe in the away corner.
“The last thing we wanted was a pushover,” said the East Durham College-based trainer.
“Newton has never been stopped and this should be a good fight.
“Darren will be going out at the Stadium of Light to box his head off.
“Newton has been eight rounds with [Liverpool prospect] Luke Willis and has boxed a lot of good lads, so we’re expecting six hard rounds.”
Thornley star Surtees, managed by Rumble promoter Phil Jeffries and part of the Sauerland camp, is not the only undefeated North-East fighter on the show.
Newcastle trio Lawrence Osueke, Joe Laws and Terence Wilkinson are in action while there is a Tyneside derby between Zaki Shirzad and comeback man David Lake.
Darren’s team-mates at the Peterlee gym, Adam Gair and Joe Hill, will also box.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Jennifer Charlton
