Billy Wade believes his career has “no ceiling” as he targets his first title.
The Newton Aycliffe fighter, who turned 25 this week, is looking to celebrate by winning the Northern Area middleweight belt by beating Matt McCallum on Saturday, November 30.
Their mouth-watering confrontation is part of the bumper Jobes Boxing show in Houghton, which features a second Northern Area title tussle with a battle between two unbeaten stars, Jeff Saunders and Bobby Dalton.
Wade is taking some step up by tackling former Northern Area super-middleweight champ McCallum, who fights out of the Jobes camp in Newcastle.
But there is no shortage of confidence from the boxer who operates out of the Twins Academy in Trimdon.
“I feel fantastic, I can’t wait,” Wade told punch-lines. “I’m buzzing.
“It might just be my fourth fight, but I have no doubts.
“I know where I want to go, and I know taking a jump up is going to have to happen at some point.
“I’ve just turned 25 and there is no better time than now.
“The sky’s the limit and we’re prepared to make those jumps and beat everyone who is put in front of us and see where we go.
“I put the work in and know what I can do – there is no ceiling.”
Wade has only completed 14 rounds and is facing a man who has done almost five times that.
McCallum has also been involved in eight or 10-round contests in six of his last seven appearances, including going away and losing tight points decisions to River Wilson-Bent in Coventry and to Jordan Reynolds at Brentwood.
“I applaud him for what he’s done, he’s never been afraid to step up,” said Billy.
“He’s game and gives it everything. He’s a nice guy too.”
Wade says he has no qualms either about facing a southpaw on Saturday night at the Rainton Arena.
“Southpaws aren’t a problem,” he explained.
“I’ve had top-level amateur fights and boxed multiple southpaws, national champions, European champions, it doesn’t bother me.”
Punch-lines caught up with Wade at the incredible Everlast Gym at the Metro Centre, where Jobes Boxing were staging their media to promote this event.
Billy was joined by team-mate, Dan English, whose Northern Area bantamweight championship and English title eliminator fight against Sam Menzies has since been postponed, and coach Jordan Williams.
Wade paid tribute to Williams, who has maintained his dedication and drive despite the fire which destroyed their gym last month.
“Jordan is the man behind it all,” said Billy. “His boxing brain is phenomenal and has unreal attention to detail.
“There was tragedy with what happened to the gym but if I can win the Northern Area title against Matt, the year will finish on a massive high.”
Saturday’s event is also scheduled to feature unbeaten West Rainton middleweight Mark Dickinson, the ‘Boro Balboa’ Will Howe, Seaham’s Joe Miller, Wallsend heavy Mickey Storey and Callum Walton, the undefeated Ferryhill ‘El Cannon’.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Jason Corbett / Mindenwood Photography
