“I hope to bring a bit of entertainment to Sunderland over the next couple of years.”
The stated ambition of the Birdman of Ryhope – Aaron Bird, who is back in the ring on Saturday, June 7 at the Rainton Arena, where he faces European-based Nicaraguan Engel Gomez.
Bird, a decarated amateur from his days at Ryhope ABC, breezed into the paid ranks in February at the Walker Dome, where he defeated Alexander Morales, who was a more than useful opponent for a boxer on debut.
His fans lapped up four rounds of excitement that night on Tyneside and he’s looking to provide four more on the Jobe Boxing event at Houghton.
“I learned two things from my debut – it hurts getting hit and that you should go out and enjoy yourself,” he told punch-lines in the plush surroundings of the Everest gym in Gateshead.
“People go on about pressure, but there is no pressure, just go and enjoy yourself.
“With me, what you see is what you get, I’m just trying to be myself, look at Dave Allen, people love him because he’s honest, he’s just being himself.
“I’m looking to go in against Gomez and enjoy myself then go on holiday two weeks after!”
Bird is under the One Empire Management umbrella of Jamie Sheldon while he is also part of the ever-expanding group of boxers from an SR postcode.
Fellow Ryhope man Josh Kelly has done rather well for himself, while just down the road in Seaham, Adam Hepple is preparing to fight Zak Chelli for the English light-heavyweight title, Joe Miller is also in action at the Rainton Arena, while the town boasts one of the sport’s warriors, Jordan Ellison.
Sunderland has two unbeaten fighters in the Tenacity stable, Travis Waters and Beau Smith, so the city, who recently celebrated the football club’s play-off glory, has much to be happy about.
“We’ve loads of good boxers here,” declared Aaron. “Joe Miller is my stablemate, I’ve grown up with him and I hope we go to the top together.
“Sunderland is doing great, we are back in the Premier League and everyone’s buzzing.
“We’re a true sporting city, we’ve got nowt else really, we used to build boats, now we’ve got drinking and sport.
“I hope to bring a bit of entertainment to Sunderland over the next couple of years.”
Bird v Gomez is part of a packed card which is topped by another boxer from an SR postcode as Horden’s Ali Shah faces Arnie Dawson for the Commonwealth European Youth title.
The aforementioned Joe Miller tackles Costa Rica’s Jose Manuel Perez while another boxer with Sunderland links, ex-Lambton Street star Jordan Barker Porter is up against Erica Alvarez, from Argentina.
All of our region is represented with Newbiggin’s Ben Rees facing Marcus Karalitzky, from Argentina, Jarrow’s Robbie Colman taking on Kasey Bradnum and Jason Cumming, from Hartlepool, fighting Nestor Maradiaga.
Two boxers who made winning debuts on the VIP show in the spring, Lewis Ginnelly and Steve Raybould chase their second wins. Ginnelly, from Newcastle, is matched with the redoubtable Serge Ambomo, while ex-Stockton kick-box king Raybould faces Fernando Valencia.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Andy Futers
