Portsmouth’s Joel ‘Yaaka’ McIntyre finally has the rematch he has been chasing since 2014, where he was narrowly beaten by Bushey’s Miles Shinkwin (77-75). The defeat which is the only blemish on McIntyre’s record is something he is desperately keen to make amends for. Now under new management with Steve Goodwin, who has shown trust in his new charge by stumping up the winning purse bid, and as a result out gunned a TV backed promoter to ensure McIntyre gained home advantage.
McIntyre is coming off a solid win by TKO in the 7th of a scheduled 8 round fight in July against Slovakia’s Vladimir Idranyi, whose only previous visit to these shores was to halt then unbeaten Charlie Duffield. It was a sickening left hook that finished Idranyi that night, sending the partisan Pompey crowd wild.
The Leigh Park native seems a different beast since last meeting Shinkwin back in 2014, he has also teamed up with his old trainer John Murray, has employed a very knowledgeable S&C coach in Daniel Iaciofano, and has a new manager. ‘Yaaka’ gave his take on the change in camp,
“John is in charge, designs the plan and I’m learning every day. Both him and Dan focus on specificity, and I’m drilled daily, the training is tough. I’m living back in Pompey, I’m training harder and sparring better than I ever have.”
When asked about the rematch with Shinkwin, there is a change in Joel’s voice, somewhat more aggressive, but controlled “Listen, in 2014 I wasn’t ready, I
“Listen, in 2014 I wasn’t ready, I realise that now.” Joel said, “I learned more from that loss than any of my wins, I left the ring; still feeling fresh and I knew I had the beating of him. I don’t contest the decision, but know it’s my time in December. He’s been KO’d now, Burton has given me the blueprint and trust me; Miles is in for a tough night in Pompey, my phone hasn’t stopped with people requesting tickets, he’s not a liked man down here.”
It will certainly be interesting to see how Shinkwin reacts after the devastating loss to British Champion Hosea Burton. There is no doubting both fighters will be confident of being crowned English Light-Heavyweight Champion on 10th Dec 16 at Liquid in Portsmouth, but it’s a must-win for both men.
