Will Howe is ready to “rock ’n’ roll” on his professional debut in Manchester.
With a top-notch amateur pedigree behind him, one of the best coaches in the sport in his corner and a very catchy moniker, why wouldn’t he be?
The Middlesbrough heavyweight will be in action at the AO Arena on July 1 when Hartlepool superstar Savannah Marshall aims to become the undisputed world super-middleweight champion if she can beat the owner of the IBF, WBA, WBC and WBO belts, Franchon Crews-Dezurn.
Howe won countless titles at junior and youth level and received a terrific boxing education at both the Phil Thomas School of Boxing in Middlesbrough and the Natural Progression Boxing Academy in Stockton.
But the turning point in his young boxing life came when he was invited to spar Hughie Fury at the world championship contender’s gym and he’s been there ever since.
Going pro with this particular Team Fury was a no-brainer for the 21-year-old who says he “is completely and utterly in love” with boxing.
“I’m training with Peter Fury, one of the best trainers in the world,” said the boxer known as the ‘Boro Balboa’.
“When that opportunity came knocking I felt like I couldn’t turn it down.
“I’m training with Hughie, who is a top 10 fighter who is looking for world honours, and Savannah who is a world-class fighter.
“They are elite athletes, physically and mentally, and to be surrounded by them and being trained by Peter there is no way I could have turned that down.
“While I am still young I felt now is the time. Loads of people have done it at this age and as long as I take my time, don’t rush anything daft or make any stupid decisions then I’ve got it all to come.
“Working in Peter’s camp and getting the nutrition support I don’t see why I can’t get to the very top.
“He’s kept my fundamentals, told me what I’m good at, and he’s added to my game, while taking away the negatives.
“He’s a fantastic coach. We’ll work on something and we won’t move on until it’s right. I want to work on it until it’s perfect.
“I feel I have come on 10-fold since I came down here.
“I’ve still got a lot of developing to do, I haven’t got my man-strength yet. I’m just enjoying the journey.”
A winner of seven domestic titles, two of his most outstanding achievements were European bronze medals when representing his country.
Will, who boxed in the same national squad as Adam Azim and Caroline Dubois, admitted that a GB squad place probably did not suit his up-and-at-‘em approach, believing fans will get plenty of entertainment from him.
“I’m a brawler, a fighter, I’m on your chest trying to wear you down, I’m not a tall rangy-type boxer that they like at GB,” he explained.
“Even though I’d have loved to have represented my country at the highest level I’m not sure I was suited to their style, even though I was a good amateur.”
Howe told BBC Tees Sport Extra that he is excited to be making his debut on the same show as Team Fury stablemate Marshall.
“I’m absolutely buzzing,” said the fighter, who is still awaiting news of an opponent. “It’s a massive night.
“I’m just in there to win – the mindset is just the same whoever I box.
“Even if the other man has had a hundred fights and lost all of them he gets the same treatment as a man who’s won a hundred.
“I’m ready to rock and roll, whoever it may be.”
Will spends his week days in Cheshire at the Fury HQ and many a Saturday at the Riverside where he works as a match-day steward for Close Protection Security, who sponsor him.
The Boro Balboa dreams of boxing one day at the stadium, adding: “I’d love to fight for a title at the Riverside.”
Words: Roy Kelly
