Sunderland’s Kirk Goodings is hoping his next outing at Newcastle’s Metro Radio Arena goes just like his last.
In March, in a hotly-contested grudge-match, English lightweight champ Goodings came on strong against Fishburn’s Gary Fox before stopping his local rival in the eighth round to retain his crown.
Next up on June 7, when he appears on the undercard of Stuart Hall’s IBF world bantamweight title fight with Paul Butler, Goodings will face another tough defence against Sheffield’s Jamie Sampson.
“It was brilliant fighting on the big bill last time,” explained Kirk about his appearance against Fox on Hall’s world title contest with Martin Ward. “I definitely felt like I belong on that stage.
“There was a huge build up around the fight because of the way Gary had gone on, trying to nut me at the weigh in and also the stuff he said he was going to do to me.
“So it felt great to get the result I did, and hopefully I’ll be just as happy after this next fight.”
Sampson has lost just once in 10 fights, and will be determined to grab this title opportunity with both gloves.
With his southpaw stance and come-forward style, the Yorkshireman won’t be fazed travelling to Goodings’ turf and will be sure he can cause an upset.
Goodings though, buoyed by Hall’s success, and motivated by the return of big-time boxing to the region, says he will put on an exciting performance.
“Jamie looks very slick and is going to cause new problems for me to solve. So this is a great fight for me and I’m determined to put on a good show.
“Times are very exciting for North East boxing at the moment, and I’m overjoyed to have this chance to fight on such a big bill. I have to thank Dennis Hobson for the opportunity.
“Providing all goes well then I’m a step closer towards another title. I just have to keep winning, and stay patient and humble.”
Stuart Hall defends his IBF world bantamweight title against Paul Butler at Newcastle’s Metro Radio Arena, on June 7.
The undercard for the show features: Birtley’s British cruiserweight champion Jon-Lewis Dickinson; Sunderland’s English lightweight champion Kirk Goodings; Guisborough’s Josh Leather; Sedgefield’s Bradley Saunders; County Durham’s Thomas Patrick Ward; Doncaster’s Dave Allen and Jason Cunningham; Sunderland’s Jordan King; and Wales’ Rhys Evans.
Tickets are priced at £40, £60, £75, £150 and VIP £200 are available via Box Office 0844 493 6666 (VIP Packages 0114 243 4443) or from dennishobson.com
