Robbie Colman has enjoyed some year already but it can get even better should he get the better of James Francis in Newcastle.
‘The Showman’ is aiming to take the vacant Commonwealth Silver super-featherweight belt to Jarrow, following Northern Area lightweight title glory In Manchester back in April.
That split decision win over North-East neighbour and rival Josh Blenkiron at Altrincham’s Ice Planet has set the 28-year-old up for this opportunity against Francis.
Colman is braced for a battle against the Liverpool fighter who, while yet to win a belt of his own, has a decent 9-3 record, with three of his nine wins coming inside the distance.
A former Central Area title challenger, the 25-year-old looks a tough opponent in all regards.
Having grown up in care as a child, Francis has spoken of how boxing has given him the opportunity and belief to make him the man he is today, so he will arrive from Merseyside this weekend a highly-motivated force.
“He’s an aggressive fighter,” Colman told punch-lines. “He’s strong and likes to come forward.
“We’re not going to have to go looking for him – we’ve prepared for 10 hard rounds.
“I’ll stick to my boxing and see how it goes, but I can mix it up if I need to.
“I’m confident and I’m looking forward to Saturday.”
His confidence is justified.
Colman’s last two outings have both been 10-round Northern Area title epics – both against Blenkiron.
He lost the first in Newcastle in what proved the fight of the night on the Josh Kelly v Bakhram Murtazaliev world championship show.
A mere two points were in it at the Utilita Arena and the re-match nine weeks later was equally hard-fought with Colman edging the Sunniside boxer 97-94, 97-93, 94-96.
“I know I can do the rounds after doing 10 in my last two fights,” said the boxer whose fight log reads 9-1. “I feel as though now I’m a seasoned 10-round fighter.”
Victory would make him a two weight champion and confirm him as one of the North-East boxers of the year though Kelly might be that one step ahead of him for the ultimate accolade.
And success at the Vertu Motors Arena would open a door, or two, for the Ross Wilkinson and Dean Laing-trained crowd-favourite.
“This is for the Commonwealth Silver but it’s also a final eliminator for the English title and the Commonwealth gold,” explained Robbie.
Has he already visioned himself with a second belt?
“I do manifest that when I’m in camp, but I try not to manifest too much because I’ve still got a job to do,” he said.
“I just try to think about the fight – I know I’ve got a hard 10 rounds coming up.”
Unbeaten Birmingham operator ibraheem Sulaimaan is the reigning English belt holder while Royston Barney-Smith is the current owner of the Commonwealth title.
Conversations about the championship ladder are for another time, Saturday is all about winning Silver.
Colman will be well supported by the good folk of Jarrow just over the water on Saturday night.
Jarrow is famous for people who use their legs – the marchers of 1936 and the runners half a century later, like David Sharpe and, most famously Steve Cram.
But it is the fists of Robbie which makes him the current greatest sporting son of ‘Jarra’ and he will give it his all against his fellow challenger in Newcastle.
“I’ve got a good crowd coming from my home town and a lot of tickets sold elsewhere too, which I’m grateful for,” he told punch-lines. “It’s going to be a big night.”
Colman v Francis is part of a championship double-header on the Boss promotion.
Gemma Richardson is to face Canada’s Carolyn Redmond for the vacant WBO International light-welterweight title.
Alex Farrell is also a card stacked card with North-East talent, including Tommy Hodgson, Joe Miller, Aaron Peter Bird, Lewis Ginnelly, Kevin Richardson and Dylan Phoenix Morrison.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Mark Robinson/ Matchroom Boxing
