“A real talent”. That’s all you need to know about Thomas Hodgson.
Not the words of punch-lines, but the assessment of one of boxing’s most respected figures.
And punch-lines will not dispute the words of Dennis Hobson, who promotes the homecoming of ‘The Hitman’ in Gateshead on Saturday night.
A highly-decorated amateur boxer, domestically and internationally, Hodgson will tackle a very capable Russian, Rustem Fatkhulin, over six rounds at the Hilton.
North Shields’s ex-Birtley ABC star has reeled off four straight wins at the start off his professional career, all in Dennis’s South Yorkshire heartland but now will box on home soil on Hobson’s Fight Academy card, which will be shown live on Fightzone.
“Tommy Hodgson is a real talent, and we’ll build him up in the North-East into a real star,” explained Hobson.
“He was a top amateur and his pro debut was the best I’ve ever seen in my 30 years in the sport.
“I’m looking forward to seeing him in action again, as well as getting my first glimpse of Anth Ornsby.”
For all Hobson is a Yorkshireman through and through, he is no stranger to our patch, having promoted the first-ever all North-East world title fight between Stuart Hall and Martin Ward at the Utility Arena almost exactly eight years ago.
He has four North-East boxers on the bill, with Hodgson and Ornsby joined at the Gateshead Hilton by two debutants,
Ryszard Lewicki is a Polish-born fighter, who boxes out of Craig Carney’s gym in Middlesbrough, the base of British light-middleweight champ, Troy Williamson.
Kai Richmond, from Spennymoor, from the Twins gym in Trimdon, is new to boxing but not fighting, having enjoyed 16 MMA contests in his previous sporting life.
“I love Newcastle,” said Hobson.
“It’s a great city with proper fans who are passionate and know their boxing.
“This is just the start of some really special nights we’ll be having in the North-East and it’s fantastic that fans can follow the journey on Fightzone.”
If you haven’t got a ticket, Fightzone is the only way to follow the action as the event, not surprisingly, is a sell-out.
One man always worth watching is heavyweight Dave Allen who has his third bout since his return to the ring.
The 29-year-old faces Bulgaria’s Milen Paunov over four rounds at the Hilton.
“This is another good show full of talented newcomers to the sport,” added Hobson.
“The best thing is it’s completely free to watch on Fightzone.
“Dave has been in some tough, exciting fights and is always good to watch, he’s always entertaining inside and outside the ropes.
“He started his career with me and I actually named him the ‘White Rhino’.
“I’ve got a lot of time for Dave and want what’s best for him now he’s back with Fight Academy.
“He still has ambitions he wants to achieve before he hangs the gloves up, and I want to help him achieve those.“
Words: Roy Kelly
