Kai Richmond has promised “something special” when he challenges for the Northern Area title in Houghton.
The 23-year-old faces unbeaten Nathan Forrest in a fascinating South Durham derby at the Rainton Arena on Saturday, March 16.
Richmond turned down a bout in his home town and near-certain fifth career victory because he is convinced he will defeat Forrest for the vacant belt on the Jobes Boxing event in Houghton.
“I was scheduled to box at Spennymoor on April 6 but then we got a phone call about this and an Area title is something you can’t really turn down,” said ‘The Cobra’.
“We took it straight away, no hesitation.
“I can’t get up for fights with journeymen who you know you are going to beat.
“And I lose my edge in the gym as a result and go through the motions.
“This time it is different. I know I need to win this fight and I know I’m going to win this fight.
“With the work I’m putting in, I’m a different me. Honestly, you will see something special come March 16.”
It’s a hard contest to call between two boxers of a similar age and career position – Forrest, who is 10 months older, has won all six of his bouts, with one inside the distance.
Richmond, who boxes out of the Twins Academy in Trimdon, has won four of his five professional bouts, two early, with his only set-back coming last time out in Eston in November, when he became the latest prospect to fall vacant to Seaham’s Jordan Ellison.
Far from denting his confidence, Richmond told punch-lines that he believes he is a better fighter today for the work he has put in with coach Jordan Williams since that 59-56 loss to Ellison.
So how is the former kick-boxer feeling?
“Unbelievable,” he declared.
“I feel the work we have done this year that we have turned the corner.
“Before my last fight things weren’t really in a good place but I feel I’ve opened some new doors for myself.”
Punch-lines caught up with Richmond at the expansive Everlast gym at the Metro Centre, where Jobes Boxing held a media event featuring the fighters taking part in the show.
The March 16 promotion features the return of Tommy Ward after being out of the ring for a year while Sedgefield’s undefeated Jeff Saunders is back after an 11-month absence ahead of an English championship eliminator later this year.
Sam Menzies (8-0), Bobby Dalton (6-0), Callum Walton (3-0), Robbie Colman (3-0), Callum Fenwick (2-0), Owen Rees (2-0), Ali Shah (2-0) and Leon Musson (1-0) are also in action, while there is a debut for Seaham’s Joe Miller, well known for his amateur exploits out of the Olympian and East Durham gyms.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Adam Barnsley/ Jobes Boxing
