Back and ready to entertain.
That is Greg O’Neil who makes his long awaited return this Saturday in Houghton, where he fights Josh Cook on the VIP promotion.
The boxer, known as ‘The Real Deal’ has shared the ring with the likes of Ben Whittaker, Anthony Ogogo, Felix Cash and many others.
Win, lose, or draw, the Horden fighter rarely disappoints – you could never say he has been in a dull fight. Ever.
Saturday is unlikely to be any different at the Rainton Arena or Sunderland Live as it now likes to be known.
But O’Neil (pictured left against Ben Rees) has not taped up the gloves in two years, since being outpointed by George Mitchell over four rounds on a Sky show at Alexandra Palace in 2022.
Previous to that he was stopped in two rounds by Whittaker, currently a man in the news, on the former Team GB star’s debut in Bournemouth.
Those defeats were in three appearances in 2022 while he boxed only once in 2021 following a three-year hiatus.
In fact, you have to go back to May 2018 for his last victory, which came in the ‘O’Neill derby’ in Darlington.
Greg beat his former Gus Robinson Developments team-mate Richard O’Neill in a six-round tear-up at the Dolphin Centre.
While the Gus Robinson set-up is, sadly, no more, the former Horden Sportsman ABC star is still with the man who first coached him at Stranton House over 12 years ago.
Peter Cope is thrilled to see O’Neil back in his old habitat but, just as importantly, healthy and happy in life.
“He might not have boxed in a couple of years but he is fit,” said Cope.
“He’s changed his lifestyle and that’s credit to him – I’m very proud of him.
“Greg is up against a durable lad, who’s never been stopped.
“This is a big night for him and one he’s looking forward to.”
The VIP Promotions seven-fight card features a wealth of unbeaten North-East talent.
Sunderland welterweight Travis Waters (9-0) tops the bill against Romania’s Octavian Gratii over eight rounds while Tenacity team-mate and Wearside neighbour Adam Reichard is chasing his sixth straight win when he faces Owen Durnan of Sheffield over six.
Middlesbrough heavyweight Will Howe is seeking his fourth paid victory against Nottingham’s Lamah Griggs, as is Tyneside-based Sheffield light-middle Leon Musson is matched with Islington’s Jordan Geranium.
Elsewhere on the bill, Bradford light-heavy Connor Lawrence (8-0) meets crafty Grimsby fighter Tom Ramsden over six rounds while 3-0 Bridlington boxer Roan Stanley tackles Italian-born Londoner Victor Edagha.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Tom Collins
