Chad Ellis is “ready” for his first major step up this weekend when he challenges Ellis Corrie for the Northern Area welterweight championship.
The 25-year-old takes on the Darlington boxer in the top of the bill 10-rounder at Newcastle Eagles Community Arena on Saturday, February 29.
With nine straight wins behind him, Ellis is confident not just in his own ability but in the fact he can learn from the mistakes made by Tom Hill, who was stopped in four rounds by Corrie when they met for the vacant belt in Houghton last December.
Chad was at ringside to witness a big right deck Tom, and while the unbeaten Redcar got to his feet, he was stopped soon after.
“Tom stood tall, had his hands very low and got a bit wild and if you do that there’s a chance you can get caught,” said the Spennymoor boxer, who is expecting a less explosive start in his tussle with Corrie.
“It was a cracking shot from Ellis, but it’s come because Tom’s kept his hands too low.
“He’s walked on to the right hand and paid for it.
“I think it will be a bit cagey early on, Ellis likes to box at a slow pace.
“It could open up after three or four rounds, I must try not to do anything daft and walk on to one.”
The unbeaten MTK prospect (pictured in September’s win over Dale Arrowsmith at the Eagles Arena) has clearly watched and learned, but is he ready for a title contest?
“Definitely,” said the Gary Barr-trained boxer.
“I am improving each fight, I’m ready for the big step.
“It’s a good 50-50 fight, these are the fights I’ve wanted.
“It’s a Spennymoor v Darlington derby, the tickets have flown out and it’s very exciting.”
Ellis says he’s enjoyed a great camp – undefeated Joe Laws has been his principal sparring partner – having known about the challenge pretty much as soon as the champion had the belt around his waist.
“I’m 100 per cent fit, because I knew it was going to come off I trained through Christmas,” he said.
“It’s the fittest I’ve ever been, I can’t wait.”
The two rivals will come face to face at the weigh-in at the Antler bar & grill at 2pm in Newcastle on Friday, when members of the public are invited to attend.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Tom Collins/ Hartlepool Life
