It’s off again. Three words Darren Surtees didn’t want to hear, four words if you count it’s as two.
The Co Durham fighter’s mouthwatering England v Wales clash with Kieran Gething on March 14 has been scrapped.
Gething has cried off with a bicep injury though promoters, MTK, are understood to be seeking an alternative opponent for ‘Dazzla’.
It ‘s a great shame, not just for Darren but for the fans going to the event in Cardiff.
The two ‘beaten’ quarter-finalists from November’s Golden Contract light-welterweight championship in Bethnal Green were scheduled to meet at the Vale Arena.
The word beaten is in inverted commas because, strictly speaking, Gething drew with Jeff Ofori, leaving referee Kieran McCann the casting vote and he awarded it to the Londoner.
One of the silver linings to the boxers going out at the first stage was that MTK guaranteed them another bout and pay-day against a fellow eliminated boxer.
Surtees, stopped by former European champ, Mohamed Mimoune, at the York Hall is now awaiting news from the promoters.
It’s the second occasion a Surtees-Getting showdown has fallen through – they were due to meet in May 2018 in a British welterweight championship eliminator, only for the Welshman to pull out.
Coach Dave Binns told punch-lines: “Darren had made a good response after the defeat to Mimoune, but this coming just a fortnight before the fight has cheesed him off.
“Kieran thinks he may have torn a bicep in training.
“It’s frustrating for Darren, but MTK are looking for a new opponent, we just hope they find someone despite the short notice.
“I’ve spoken to Darren already and I’m expecting to see him in the gym tonight.”
It’s been a busy time for Binns, who has three of his East Durham College gym boxers in the ring at the MTK show at Newcastle Eagles Community Arena.
Adam Gair should extend his pro record to five wins against Czech veteran Jiri Svacina, but Tom Hill has a tricky obstacle to clear on his first fight back after a Northern Area title defeat to Ellis Corrie.
The Redcar welterweight is up against Sheffield’s Serge Ambomo over six rounds.
Alex Farrell has a new opponent, tackling the Manchester-based Czech southpaw, Jan Ardon.
“Ardon looks a good operator and a bit heavier than Alec,” added Binns. “Ambomo is a real handful, so that’s a test for Tom.”
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Jennifer Charlton
