Variety, the saying goes, is the spice of life.
If you agree with the sentiment then you might just be interested in a tasty little show at Rainton Arena on Friday.
Yes, that’s right, another event at the Houghton venue. That’s number four this autumn and winter, with a fifth still to come.
There are no titles on the line on this one and no superstars taping up their gloves but Phil Jeffries has assembled quite an eclectic mix, whatever that means.
This show will feature two debutants, two boxers having their second bouts, an old favourite moving into double figures after 10 years, two familiar North-East figures returning after defeats and a not-so-familiar face.
Watch out for the debut of Ben Rees. You probably know the name already, but if you don’t, you will.
The 2018 English National Amateur Championship winner (or ABAs if you prefer it’s old terminology) is making his professional debut against an, as yet unnamed opponent.
Big Ben is one from the old Birtley ABC production line, one of the many trained by Graeme Rutherford now in the paid ranks. Graeme will be in the corner too this Friday too.
Rees, from Ashington, is a quality southpaw as those who watched him strike national gold in 2018 will testify. He was a quarter-finalist 12 months later and since then amateur boxing has been rather quiet.
But he is about to announce his name on the pro scene.
Another boxer making a professional entrance will be Consett’s Kerry Haley, who is part of the Wallsend Boxing Academy.
A Nik Gittus boxer is always worth watching and, doubtless, Kerry is no different.
Ewan McKenzie, from the opposite side of the Tyne in Jarrow, was certainly worth watching on his debut back in September, when he defeated Paul Scaife. The ex-Bilton Hall crowd-pleaser is back for more with contest number two, against Kent’s Jack Ewbank.
Also having his second bout is Darlington-based Andy Collins, though he has been out a little longer than a couple of months. Try eight years.
It’s great to see the Pete Shepperson-trained boxer back and he’ll take on Bognor’s Carl Turney.
Rob Ismay knows what it’s like to come back from a long absence. His first eight bouts – all wins – were crammed into 21 months between 2011-13 before returning two years ago.
The seasoned WBA campaigner, now up at heavyweight, chases his 10th victory in what looks like a six-round belter with Halifax’s Josh Sandland.
Also chasing win number 10 is Chad Ellis, who fights for the first time since a maiden defeat in February 2020 when he challenged Ellis Corrie for the Northern Area title.
It’s great to see Chad back in the square ring and the Spennymoor man will be up against Sheffield’s Serge Ambomo.
Anth Ornsby is also looking to bounce back from a first career defeat, losing to Jordan Ellison in a fiercely-fought derby at Rainton in September.
Now managed by Sheffield fight figure, Dennis Hobson, the popular Wallsend boxer (pictured) is after his fifth pro win.
The unfamiliar face on this event belongs to George Rhodes who comes all the way from Scarborough to fight another George, George Rogers.
Rhodes, trained by former Neil Fannan fighter, Ryan Ashworth, and managed by Dave Coldwell, has a decent record of 6-1-1.
Like punch-lines says, quite a mix. Hopefully all eight will be ready to mix it and the away corner too.
The Adam Gair v Jone Volau cruiserweight derby has been switched to the Jobes Boxing dinner show at te Hilrton Hotel in Gateshead on December 9
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Tom Collins
