Two of the North East’s top lightweights go head-to-head on March 1, when Kirk Goodings defends his English title against Northern Area champ Gary Fox (pictured) at the Rainton Meadows Arena.
‘Bulletproof’ Goodings, with just one defeat in 11 fights, picked up the English crown in October 2013 after an epic battle against Middlesbrough’s Paul Truscott. And the Sunderland fighter won’t want to lose the belt in his first defence, especially against a North East rival.
Fox, meanwhile, stopped Darlington’s Neil Hepper in five rounds in September 2012 to claim the Northern Area strap, and will be determined to prove he is the region’s number-one at 135lbs against Goodings.
Last time out, Gary took on highly-rated prospect Scott Cardle over eight rounds and, although the Fishburn man suffered his second defeat in 13 contests, he put in a gutsy shift and will want to prove he has learned from that defeat by claiming the English belt.
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“There are some great North East derby fights to be made, and I’m delighted that we’ve managed to get this one matched. Credit to both lads for taking it when lots of other fighters aren’t prepared to take a real test,” said promoter Phil Jeffries.
“I’ve said for a while now that it’s only going to be 50-50 fights on my Pro Box North East shows, and this is just that. Kirk proved his class last time out when he beat Truscott, who is a very good fighter himself. But Gary seems to be heavy-handed at lightweight and if he catches Goodings clean then it could get very interesting. Either way, it’s definitely going to be a really exciting fight.
“This is my first show of 2014 and I’m delighted with the line-up we’ve put together. We’ve got some of the region’s best talent appearing on this card. All the fighters will be matched hard and, as usual, there will be a terrific atmosphere at Rainton Meadows. This will also be Jordan King’s homecoming show, and he’s a really exciting prospect.
“I can see this show selling out and would advise fans to get their tickets early.”
Pro Box North East presents Kirk Goodings defending his English lightweight title against Gary Fox on March 1 at the Rainton Meadows Arena. Appearing on the undercard will be Sunderland’s Jonson McClumpha and Jordan King; Easington’s Paul Archer; Gateshead’s Rob Ismay; Hartlepool’s Michael Hadfield; Northumberland’s Lewis Scott, and County Durham’s Tommy Ward. More bouts will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
Tickets are available from all boxers or for more info please call 0774 611 020.
