The Real Deal is back.
Don’t panic, punch-lines is not talking about Evander Holyfield, who lost in disturbing fashion in a 109-second battering by UFC man Vitor Belfort just shy of his 59th birthday.
Hopefully we’ll never see the legend back inside a ring. Punch-lines is instead referring to Greg ‘The Real Deal’ O’Neil. Not as successful as Evander but, when on song, well worth a watch.
The Co Durham super-middleweight will resume his career on Friday, November 19 at Leeds United, where he will be the opponent for debutant Josh Wisher.
It is a welcome return for the boxer who has represented Hartlepool’s famous Gus Robinson Developments gym since turning pro in 2012.
Coach Peter Cope told punch-lines he was “over the moon” with the former Horden ABC star.
“Greg is in great shape, physically and mentally,” he said.
“He’s been in the gym for the last three months and I couldn’t be happier with him.
“Greg has never been the best sparrer in the world but he’s had some very good spars for this fight.
“He’s put in a tremendous amount of work and he’s ready for this.
“Greg is up against a lad making his debut on his home show but he’ll go there and give it his all as he always does.”
O’Neil’s date at the Centenary Pavilion inside Elland Road will be almost exactly three to the day since his last appearance, a sadly rapid defeat in Neath to big-hitting Welsh light-heavy Alex Hughes, whose body shot knocked him out just before the end of the first round at Llandarcy Academy of Sport.
It was his fourth early defeat in five losses, but the Horden scrapper is still in credit on his record given he has six victories to his name.
O’Neil has had a couple of superb wins on his record, including a small-hall classic in an O’Neill derby at the Dolphin Centre in May 2018.
Facing his old Gus Robinson Developments stablemate Richard O’Neill, Greg had his opponent down in the first en route to a 59-56 victory from referee Ron Kearney.
A year earlier, he triumphed on the road in another thrill-a-minute tussle, this time outpointing Yorkshire’s Harry Matthews over eight rounds in York, 77-75.
O’Neil’s date at Leeds United is part of the Pride & Glory five-bout dinner show staged by Mark Bateson of West Yorkshire Boxing Promotions, with three of the five home boxers making their debuts, Wisher, Jack Bagnall and Lenny Davidson.
Great British heavyweight, Frank Bruno, is the guest of honour.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Tom Collins. East Durham Life
