Shields boxer Nelson turns pro
SIGNING ON ... Anthony Nelson with manager Mal Gates, middle, and sponsor Kevin Law.
AMATEUR ace Anthony Nelson admits he can’t wait for his first fight after finally turning professional.
The Horsley Hill Boxing Club star will be managed and trained by Malcolm Gates at his Harton & Westoe gym after putting pen to paper this week.
The featherweight from South Shields, has been sparring with some of Gates’s other boxers on and off for a while, before finally deciding to take the plunge himself and turn pro.
He said: “I just can’t wait to get in the ring now. I’ve been doing some sparring with the lads for about three years, and I’m really excited at turning professional.”
Nelson, 26, could make his debut as early as next month, with Gates looking for a suitable opponent for his fighter’s first bout.
Nelson joins stable-mates David Lake and John ‘Razor’ Watson under Gates’s stewardship, with another fighter set to be added to the roster in the next couple of days.
Gates added: “I am delighted Anthony has decided to turn professional with me.
“He is a highly experienced and very talented boxer with a lot of natural ability who has performed at a good level for a number of years
“He started boxing at the Hill when he was 16, and has benefitted from some great coaching which has seen him develop under Steve Winter, winning a National Senior Championship, and winning and defending the area featherweight belt on numerous occasions,
“I have been to watch Anthony in most of his fights, and followed his career closely. He has always boxed in good company, and gained invaluable experience that will serve him well as he sets out on his professional career.
“He has been training and sparring with David and Razor, and he is dedicated and keen to learn.
“He has boxed most of his amateur career at featherweight, but we feel he could make super-bantam comfortably, so that is our aim, but we will get him started and see how it goes.
“He is a very capable fighter who has fast hands and good movement
“Anthony is a real character who always put 100 per cent into his training, and is extremely fit and focussed on his boxing.
“He is a pleasure to train as he lives the life of a boxer, running each morning before he goes to work, and he’s in the gym every night.”
Nelson, meanwhile, has secured sponsorship from local timber suppliers Lawson’s Timber to help him with a number of costs as he sets out on his professional career.
Twitter: @rossgregory9
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