Looking forward to a renewal of hostilities. That is Hartlepool boxer Jason Cumming, who is aiming to make up for lost time when he puts the gloves back on next month in Houghton.
The 21-year-old is set to fight on the June 7 show at Rainton Arena, against Venice-based Nicaraguan Nestor Maradiaga over six rounds.
Jason has wowed fans and tortured his rivals with his high-paced approach which is perfectly described by his moniker ‘The Engine’.
But the machinery has been very much underused in a professional career which promises much only to be stalled by sheer bad luck, with his record standing at a frustrating 3-0.
Jason though told Life that he can’t wait to fight again … and again.
“I’m looking forward to June 7th,” he said. “It’s been a while.
“I just need to get a bit of a rhythm going and I’d like to think I’m due a bit of luck too.
“I’d love to get in a couple of fights back to back – this one on June 7 and then another hopefully at the back end of July.”
The frustration built up by the man who graduated from Hartlepool Elite Boxing Academy into the professional world is palpable.
Cumming’s tale of misfortune is longer than his list of victories.
He was due to turn pro in April 2024, only for scheduled opponent, Middlesbrough’s Caine Singh, to pull out of the bout at Eston Leisure Centre at the 11th hour.
A pre-Christmas show at Houghton was then cancelled before Cumming was ruled out of an appearance in spring after he suffered a broken nose in training.
He could therefore, potentially, have been talking to Life this week with a record of 6-0.
Instead, his work inside the ropes totals just half an hour, though his trail of destruction has attracted an ever-increasing army of supporters and a growing reputation.
His debut was a case of blink-and-you-will-miss it after Lithuanian Simas Volosinas folded from a body barrage, with a time of one minute fifty of round two.
Bolton’s Kiernan McAfee was the next to experience Cumming’s relentless attacks, retiring on his stool after three rounds of pressure. Jason’s last bit of action came at the end of October when he heard the final bell for the first time, outpointing Brazil’s Jonatas de Oliveira over six rounds.
Six months has been a long spell to keep ‘The Engine’ under wraps but he’s ready for whatever is thrown at him.
“It’s been a long time but I’ve trained hard and it’s probably the best I’ve felt approaching a fight,” said Cumming, who says he is inspired rather than pressured to be fighting in front of an army of fans.
“It’s amazing to be honest,” said Jason, who is trained in the HEBA gym by coach Peter Cope, Alan Temple and Wayne McCarte.
“To hear my name being sung gives me an extra edge in my performance and the noise is incredible when I land a punch.
“I enjoy entertaining the crowd and I’m hoping to do so again.
“There is nervous energy before fights, but the more nervous I get the better I perform.”
Cumming is on the undercard to unbeaten Horden boxing talent Ali Shah’s crack at the Commonwealth European title against undefeated Essex boy Arnie Dawson.
Jason would like to thank the following sponsors for their backing of his career: Smith & Graham solicitors, CB Construction, Seaton’s Place to Be, Paul Gough, Zulcron Sports, Bonnie Beauty, Clean Kickz, The Hideaway, Steven Bell Funerals, The Hanger, Gibson Harris Ltd, The Protein Stop, Ian Glass Fitness, Lisa Fine Food and Cakes, The Raby Arms.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Jason Corbett/ Mindenwood Photography
