Fighting for Seaham on two fronts. Meet ‘Punching Politician’ Adam Hepple who is moving from the polling booth to the boxing booth.
Seaham’s Northern Area champion is to tackle the excellent Zak Chelli for the vacant English light-heavyweight title at the York Hall on Friday, June 27.
It is some challenge for the 32-year-old, who only has seven bouts under his belt.
But don’t rule out a highly-motivated man. Politician is probably the wrong word for Hepple – humanitarian probably encapsulates him best.
Hepple and 20 like-minded friends pooled together and ran for office as the Seaham Community Party.
All 21 were elected to Seaham Parish Council in May with one mandate – make their town a better place to live.
“Me and a few lads got our heads together and decided to try to do something,” said Adam.
“My main aim was to support the youth of Seaham and get the kids off the street and give them something to do.
“I believe you are a product of your environment and it’s important that we do something positive.
“There is nothing better than sport, whether it’s football or boxing or something else. “It’s crying out for some free sports to give the kids direction and exercise.
“There are 21 of us on the council – we get a £100 allowance each month and we pool our money. We put our name into a hat and whoever is picked out can choose where that £2,100 goes.
“We all want to put something back into our community.”
His beliefs about life are matched by his self-belief in the boxing ring, even though his record of 5-2 (1 KO) is eclipsed by Chelli’s superior numbers of 15-3-1 (7KOs).
Chelli is a leading operator and was British and Commonwealth super-middleweight champion until losing his belts to Callum Simpson at the Yorkshireman’s beloved Oakwell last year, but Hepple is convinced he has got the tools and confidence.
“I’ve had a brilliant camp, everything has gone to perfection,” he said.
“I’ve had some great sparring with Mark Dickinson and Troy Williamson.
“I’m doing well in sparring against some top, top level lads so I’m confident.
“People might see Zak Chelli as the favourite but from my point of view he is very, very beatable.
“It is said styles make fights and Zak’s is a good style for me.”
Hepple is not frightened by a challenge.
In only his fourth professional fight, he stopped defending belt holder Matt McCallum inside two rounds to become the Northern Area super-middleweight champion (pictured).
Last year he was stopped in four rounds in a bloody battle with Reece Farnhill in an English title eliminator in Oldham, while he was back in Lancashire last November to face Brad ‘The Sting’ Rea for the vacant Commonwealth Silver light-heavyweight title.
It too ended in defeat, with Rea winning in the third, though not in disappointment.
He will always step up to the challenge.
“That’s what it’s all about,” said the boxer who is trained by Jordan Williams ion the Twins Academy in Trimdon. “There is no point fighting nuggets who you know you know you can beat.
“You want to test yourself – I took Brad Rea at two weeks’ notice.
“I know in my heart and my head that I didn’t feel out of my depth.
“I broke a rib in the first round and got stopped in the third.
“Some may say I’m stupid for taking this fight with Zak, but I know what I’m capable of and I believe in myself. 100 per cent.”
Adam would like to thank his sponsors: Adam Smith at Smart Manufacturing Solutions, Richy Elliott at Premier Road Management, Linzi Potts at Troo Energy Management, Paul and Gary Hepple at the Garage on the Green, Kevin Jeffress at Stride Sports Clinic, an dad Jeff Hepple at J&A Hepple Construction & Landscapes.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Tom Collins
