On a night when Josh Kelly and Bakhram Murtazaliev wage a world war in Newcastle, watch out for a local dispute which could seriously catch fire.
Josh Blenkiron and Robbie Colman will do battle on the undercard of the IBF world light-middleweight showdown between title holder Murtazaliev and Kelly. his challenger from Sunderland.
Blenkiron and Colman will be contesting the Northern Area lightweight belt which has been vacated by unbeaten Bishop Auckland boxer Nathan Forrest.
It looks a belter between undefeated fighters from either side of the Tyne – Blenkiron from Sunniside, just up the road from Gateshead, and Colman from Jarrow, though locally it’s known as Jarra.
During Friday evening’s press conference at the Glasshouse on the banks of the Tyne, ‘Blenka’ (pictured left) vowed he would hand out “a boxing lesson” and told his rival that he would “box his head off.”
It’s a tough one to call. Both boxers have similar records – Blenkiron’s fight log reads 7-0-1, having drawn last time out in Dublin with Irish fighter Tony McGlynn, while ‘The Showman’ has won all seven of his pro fights, including one inside the distance.
Blenkiron, a successful amateur with Dunston ABC where dad Ernie was the club coach, told punch-lines he is confident.
“100 per cent,” said Josh, whose self-belief is strengthened by two previous wins back in the days when they wore vests.
“It was a few years ago now. This is a different ball game but it still gives me a little bit of confidence that I’ve beaten him.
“I think it’ll be in the back of his mind that it’s 2-0.”
Given the past performances of both men in the professional ring, it is hard to envisage a chess match between the pair, but Blenkiron says he has the capacity to mix it up.
“I’ve more in my arsenal,” he stressed. “I can box and fight, which always comes in handy.
“We have a game-plan and we’ll aim to utilise it.”
Blenkiron began his career impressive fashion with six wins on the spin in the North-East before losing his 100 per cent record in Ireland.
He is adamant he got the rough end of the stick in terms of the scoreline with the referee marking it level at 57-57, but believes the bout has stood him in good stead for this title challenge.
“You might have given him the first round and he had moments in the sixth, but I think even the kid knew I won,” said the 25-year-old, who has boxed out of the North Star ABC gym in Sunderland for the last 18 months under coach Danny Hopper.
“McGlynn’s boxed for Irish titles and stuff like that, so he was no bum.
“While disappointing not to win I feel if I hadn’t had that fight I might not have got this chance here.”
Blenkiron will have just over 250 fans in the Utilita Arena and says he is looking forward to getting down to work.
“I’ve done it properly,” he said. “I’ve had a great 10-week camp and I’m ready to go.”
There is further North-East interest on the Matchroom event in the shape of Kiaran Macdonald and Lee Rogers.
Macdonald makes his professional debut after turning pro following a stellar amateur career, while Lee Rogers is chasing his seventh straight victory.
Sunderland southpaw Macdonald faces Lithuania’s Marius Vysniauskas, while Jobes Boxing prospect Rogers has Mexican opposition in Erick Omar Lopez.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Mark Robinson/ Matchroom
