Chad Ellis is confident he has got his preparation absolutely spot on as he looks to mark his 10th pro fight with his first title.
The Spennymoor boxer challenges holder Ellis Corrie in the eagerly anticipated Northern Area championship clash in Newcastle on Saturday, February 29.
Ellis has enlisted fellow unbeaten North-East star Joe Laws as his principal sparring partner ahead of the MTK Show at the Newcastle Eagles Community Arena.
Some might question the wisdom of sharing a ring with a man with such an all-action approach, but the challenger, having witnessed a ruthless and violent finish by Corrie to win the title in the first place believes he has got it right.
A corking Corrie right paved the way for the Darlington fighter to stop Tom Hill inside four rounds at the Rainton Arena in December.
“Joe has been my main sparring partner, it’s been pretty wild,” smiled the 25-year-old, whose log shows nine straight victories.
“He’s been chucking a lot of hooks.
“Ellis doesn’t throw that many straight shots, a lot of his stuff is hooks, so Joe has been ideal for me.
“It’s been brilliant, good, hard 50-50 spars which is what I wanted, we really push each other.
“I’ve just done eight threes with Joe flat out with only 30 seconds intervals so I’m feeling really good about the fight.”
He should feel good about the fight.
Ellis has won all nine of his bouts and really seemed to come into his own in 2019, when he enjoyed a string of good wins.
While the Gary Barr-trained welter has not yet completed a 10-rounder, he has got through a couple of quick-paced six-rounders and has put in the rounds in the gym.
“I think the longer bouts will suit me better and I have no worries doing the 10 rounds,” Ellis told punch-lines.
“I did 10 threes the other day, six with Joe with 30-second intervals then another four straight off with Jeff Saunders.
“I felt fresh and I do feel the longer the contest the more that will suit me.”
The Northern Area title showdown is one of 15 contests planned.
Many of the North-East’s principal talents will be in action, as well as a number of the up and coming boxers, like Adam Gair, Anth Ornsby and Steve Robinson, while Tom Hill will be looking to return to wining ways and Basi Razaq will continue his comeback.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Tom Collins/ Hartlepool Life
