Definitely the right time for me.
That is the message from Nathan Forrest ahead of what is shaping up to be a Northern Area title cracker against Kai Richmond on Saturday, March 16.
Forgive the pun, but there is a ring of confidence from both South Durham neighbours for the showdown at Rainton Arena on the Jobes Boxing poromotion.
Richmond promised he will deliver “something special” on the night in an interview with punch-lines and Forrest told us he is convinced he’ll have too much for his 23-year-old opponent.
“I’m very calm, collected and I know exactly what to do,” said the undefeated Bishop Auckland fighter.
“I don’t think he’s going to pose any threat. He’s going to have to run like a thief, isn’t he?
“He’s not going to be as fit as me, that’s a fact. He’ll not beat me engine-wise.
“He won’t be as strong as me. I know I’ve got his number.
“He’s probably watched me box a few journeymen and thought ‘Nathan just puts his hands up and walks forward – I can outbox him’.
“No. No-one has seen yet half of what I can do.”
Forrest has racked up six straight wins as a pro under the guidance of Hartlepool boxing legend Neil Fannan.
All have gone to points, bar one, a fifth-round stoppage of Dean Wilkinson last May in Seaton Carew, where he put the Middleton boxer down twice.
Richmond’s log reads 4-1, with two victories coming early for the former MMA man turned Marquess of Queensberry.
Forrest enjoyed his days as an amateur and while he does not have a mantelpiece full of silverware, he says his pedigree counts for something.
“I’ve boxed all the top amateur boxers around here, lads like Ben Marksby and Cameron Vuong, I’ve boxed Liam Taylor, the Welsh champion,” said the 24-year-old ex-Barnard Castle ABC star, who feels he is a level above his rival on March 16.
“I do have the amateur pedigree, I wasn’t a stand-out amateur but I was a decent amateur.
“Kai’s all right, he’s not useless, I just know he’s not on my level. He can’t do what I do.
“It’s definitely the right time for me. He’s 4-1 and it’ll be a challenge but I’m confident.”
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Adam Barnsley/ Jobes Boxing
