HORDEN'S unbeaten light welterweight, Anthony Hardy, has been afforded a shot at the vacant English strap in Bath on Saturday night as he faces Joe Hughes over ten rounds, writes Peter Mann.

Originally set to appear at the Gateshead Academy for Sport the following week, it is an opportunity he, and the Gus Robinson gym management of Peter Cope Snr and Alan Temple, could not afford to turn down.

It’s a tough ask for the fighter dubbed ‘The Hitman’ but a one which Hardy is willing to take, and bring the title back north with him and against an opponent who has not only stopped five, but done so against his last two.

“I was preparing to fight anyway so I’m more than mentally prepared,” said Hardy about the short notice opportunity.

“I took it with both hands as we’re always ticking over in the gym anyway and I’ve always said I would take the challenges of more experienced fighters, the bigger names. He (Hughes) has only stepped up a level in the last few fights though and I’m a stumbling block for him so I will be going in there and taking the initiative, give him respect early on, but he won’t get it his own way though.

“I’ve upped my training this past week to compensate for the longer distance and really feel that everything has been done right, even drafted in some carbon-copy fighters to spar with as Hughes is a short, stocky, strong but elusive all-round boxer but I’m more than confident and I know he’ll have a lot to think about on me and the defensive qualities I possess.”

With the support of Cope Snr, Temple, and his sponsors Juice2u, Eddies Tattoo Studio and Geordies Pizzeria, ‘The Hitman’ will not only take some stopping but will also have an army of followers in Bath with him.

“I’ll have at least a bus load of supporters down there with me on Saturday,” said Anth. “I know though I put in a performance on the night then I’ll come away with the belt and more doors will be opened, doors which I also owe to the favours, investment and friendship I’ve got with Steve Wraith and I’ll look to repay that faith and maybe even defend the title on his next show in September.”

The show Hardy misses, at the Gateshead Academy for Sport on July 24 is headlined by English light heavyweight champion Travis Dickinson and supported by Commonwealth super flyweight champion Anthony Nelson.

Promoter Steve Wraith of Relentless Promotions was recently granted his managers licence as well ahead of the ‘Summer Showdown I’ and is something he intends to use wisely.

“The rules of the sport stipulated that I had to have held a promoters licence for three years before going for the manager’s licence so I’m delighted that I am able to get this now,” said Steve.

“Having spoken to many people about it, and encouraged by the like of Ronnie Rowe and Mal Gates, I felt I should. I’m not looking at jumping in immediately though but I’ve been to a few amateur shows and also been approached by a number of fighters over the past twelve months so it shows that I was never going to be in this for the short term.”