Calum French can’t wait for a dream come true moment when he boxes at the Utilita Arena on Matchroom’s big event in Toon.
Not that the top drawer amateur turned pro plans to just drink in the occasion on Saturday – he knows he has a fight on his hands against Jordan Ellison in their lightweight derby contest.
French is part of Eddie Hearn’s wave of North-East talent and the ex-Birtley and GB Boxing stars are all out in force in Toon with Mark Dickinson, Pat McCormack and Cyrus Pattinson in action.
Pattinson headlines with a WBA International welterweight contest against Chris Jenkins with Dickinson, French and McCormack, who boxed at major championships together for their country, having good tests of their own.
Dickinson and McCormack have already boxed in the North-East, but this is the first outing for Gateshead lad French on home soil, though his three Matchroom appearances to date have all been on big shows in Liverpool, Leeds and Cardiff.
Not bad, but Newcastle this weekend feels special for the 27-year-old.
“This has been a dream to box at the Arena since I first laced up my gloves at the age of nine,” Calum told punch-lines.
“I’ve loved coming here and some of the big Lewis Ritson nights have been special but now it feels wicked to be back at home.
“I had a bit of a taste of it when I boxed for the Lionhearts in the WSB at Gateshead in 2018 but to be in the big arena is great.
“It’s a big night to be a part of and my ambition is to get higher up the card and then to top it.”
The southpaw might not have it all his own way on Saturday night.
Those who don’t know Ellison might laugh at that line, given his fight log stands at 14-44-3.
But the 27-year-old, from Seaham, loves upsetting the odds, having taken out not one unbeaten record but NINE in his career plus beating a couple of home favourites, not to mention winning an Area title.
Ellison though is no stranger to French.
“We go way back to our time in the amateurs years ago,” said the Graemne Ruitherford-trained star ahead of their eight-rounder.
“Obviously, knowing Jordan as we do, we will not be taking him lightly.
“Jordan has lots of losses on his record, but he has wins too.
“He’s not a journeyman who covers up and comes just to survive.
“He’ll give you something to think about.
“Jordan comes to fight and he lets his hands go, but when he does that will play into my hands.
“It will suit my counter-punching style – I will make him miss then make him pay.”
Washington’s Olympic silver medallist McCormack, unbeaten in three with two stoppages, faces Italy’s former Troy Williamson opponent Dario Socci (15-7-2) in his first scheduled eight-round contest.
West Rainton middleweight Dickinson (4-0) is also in action over eight against Bury’s Ben Ridings.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Mark Robinson/ Matchroom
