It’s fight night so what can we expect from the Newcastle Eagles Arena?
A packed programme that’s what with 12 bouts scheduled on MTK’s second visit to the city in 2019.
There are no titles being contested but the three main fights look interesting enough. WBO world number four Tommy Ward tackles Spanish-based former Nicaragua champ, Yesner Talavera, over 10 rounds, the same distance the rejuvenated Middlsbrough star Simon Vallily faces Belgium’s Erik Nazaryan at heavyweight.
Andrew Selby, who has squeezed Wales into this North-East dominated event, has an eight rounder with Tanzania’s Fadhili Majiha, who has fought for a series of WBA and WBO international titles.
Unbeaten Joe Laws, chasing his seventh straight win, had originally been matched with Czech veteran Jan Balog who, remarkably, has won his last two, but now meets Danny Little. The Driffield fighter gave a good account of himself at the Summer Rumble, where he lost out to Anth Ornsby.
Also over six, two other undefeated North-East boxers are in action, Spennymoor’s Chad Ellis up against Hyde’s Dale Arrowsmith and Redcar’s Tom Hill facing Londoner Jordan Grannum.
Chad’s MTK team-mate, Darren Reay, is involved in one of several intriguing four rounders.
The unbeaten Northumberland southpaw (pictured) faces another Nicaraguan on the card, Oscar Amador, who lost to Lewis Ritson in Birmingham last September.
Back then, he boasted a winning record but 12 months on it now reads 10-21 as he has embarked on a British and European tour. It has been one of defeat after defeat but Darren must beware, should Oscar fancy it, he could be a threat.
Tom’s Peterlee stablemate, Alex Farrell, boxes for only the second time as a pro and he has a good little scrap with Saif Zahoor, who makes his third paid appearance.
Newcastle’s Terence Wilkinson appears to have a live test against another of the Nicaraguan invaders, Danny Mendoza, who has won six from nine.
There looks a tough professional debut for Gateshead’s Steve Robinson, with Hightower matched with Birmingham’s Shaun Duffy, who knocked out a debutant in his last bout.
It’s nice to see fellow Mark Clauzel-managed Tyneside boxer Basi Razak back in the ring on Saturday night.
It’s pretty much exactly 24 months since the 28-year-old last climbed through the ropes – a points win over Dan West at St James’ Park. Blackburn’s Naheem Chaudhry is his opponent along the Scotswood Road.
Also on the bill is Hetton cruiser, Adam Gair, who takes on seasoned Derby campaigner Elvis Dube.
Doors open at 5pm with the fists starting to fly at 5.30pm.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Jennifer Charlton
