Walsall boxers Martin Gethin and Luke Paddock have been helping each other prepare for their upcoming bouts.
The pair have enjoyed competitive sparring and, although at different stages of their careers, both insist they have benefitted from working together.
British Lightweight Champion Gethin defends his Lord Lonsdale strap against Derry Mathews at the Liverpool Olympia on Saturday, May 10th whilst British Bronze Masters Light Welterweight Champion Paddock takes on Bulgarian Kristian Dochev at Walsall Town Hall on Friday, 16th May.
“It’s an honour to share a ring with Martin,” Paddock told www.uko-boxing.com. “He’s at the top of his game and you learn a lot from working with him. He’s a quiet and unassuming guy but he goes about his business in the right way.
“He is a quality boxer so you’ve got to be ‘on it’ all the time in sparring. He’s a really accurate and durable fighter so working with him keeps me on my toes. He’s a strong lad too.
“He’s achieved what I want to. He’s a British Champion. He’s from the same town as me too, so he’s someone to look up to.”
“Luke’s a nice kid,” added Gethin. “I wanted to spar a few heavier lads than me as I know Mathews is a powerful fighter. You can condition yourself when you’re in with the bigger guys.
“Luke’s a light welterweight and, as he’s fighting a week after me, he’s at similar stage of his camp as me. He’s a local lad too, so it’s been ideal. He’s a good prospect.”
Joining Paddock at on EJKO Promotions’ Walsall show is Jason Welborn who also faces Bulgarian opposition in the shape of Stanislav Nenkov. The undercard sees Wolverhampton brothers Des & Sid Bowater take on Kristian Laight (Nuneaton) and Matt Seawright (Tamworth) respectively whilst Stafford’s Rob Hunt takes on Halesowen-based Kevin McCauley and Stoke’s Josh McLaren steps in with Gloucester’s Louis Van Poetch . Ryan Nandha and Olly Lambert no longer feature.
Tickets, priced at £30 and £60 Ringside, are available from Walsall Town Hall Box Office on 0845 111 2900.
Gethin’s clash with Mathews will be televised live and exclusive on The Channel Of Champions BoxNation (Sky Ch. 437/Virgin Ch. 546). Join at www.boxnation.com. Tickets are priced at £40 unreserved and £60 Ringside and are available by calling the Olympia Box Office 0151 263 6633 and www.liverpoololympia.com
