A FIRST chance to fight in front of a partisan home
crowd is what's driving Torbay professional boxers Liam Power and Ben
Wakeham to train harder than ever before, writes Chris Rogers.
The
Torbay pair will both box on the undercard of the big Torquay Riviera
International Conference Centre show on March 6 — headlined by Jamie
Speight.
Kingsteignton super featherweight Speight
out-pointed Bideford's John Van Emmenis at the arena's last show in
October, much to the delight of a vociferous home support.
The
two fighters will lock horns again in a top-of-the-bill rematch at next
month's show, billed as 'Devon's Finest Return to Torquay's Seven
Hills'.
However the home advantage of being roared on by friends and family will be a new sensation for pro rookies Power and Wakeham.
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Welterweight Power, 22, made his debut in Wiltshire last November
and emerged with a clear points victory from his paid baptism against
Gareth Heard.
Power said: "That was just tremendous to get my first win under my belt — that was the most important thing that night.
"There
are some obvious differences between the amateur and professional ranks
— no head guards for starters — and you box at a different pace because
it is a longer duration.
"But boxing close to home is so much better as more of the people you know get the chance to come along and see you in action.
"And
the fact that I'm boxing Jimmy Briggs from Barnstaple means he will
also have some support in the hall to add to the atmosphere."
Power
spent most of his career at his local Paignton gym, although he did
have some bouts in the colours of Torquay-based Apollo ABC, and
captured several West Country junior titles.
But he is quick to emphasise that those successes are consigned to the past and have no bearing on this stage of his career.
Power is also taking time off from his job as a joiner to concentrate fully on his March assignment.
He
added: "The first few fights are crucial for a new pro so you have to
channel all your energy into your boxing and have no distractions.
"And being able to box in the Bay is as good an incentive as you can get."
Unbeaten welterweight Wakeham, 21, is also buzzing about his first fight in Torquay since turning pro.
"There is something special about boxing close to home for every fighter, and I'm no exception," said Wakeham.
"I
had my first three professional fights in Plymouth and had plenty of
support for those nights, so you can imagine what it is going to be
like actually fighting in the Bay."
Wakeham now has
a change of opponent for his forthcoming six-round clash — Keith Sheen
had originally been penned in to occupy the opposing corner, but he has
withdrawn from the bill.
The Devonian now faces
Birmingham's Jason Nesbitt — a veteran of 111 professional contests —
although he is not the most experienced boxer the former Paignton ABC
amateur has ever faced.
Wakeham explained: "My last
fight in Trowbridge was against Karl Taylor (another Brummie) who has
had more than 150 bouts, so I'm aware of what I'm up against.
"Centurions
(boxers with more than a hundred contests) are always difficult
opponents because they have picked up all the tricks over the years,
otherwise they would not have lasted in the game.
"I'll have the utmost respect for Jason, but maintain the confidence I have in my own ability."
Wakeham's
unbeaten record in the paid ranks runs to six wins – all of them at
welterweight – the same division at which he competed as an amateur and
reached the latter stages of both Junior ABA and Boys' Club
championships.
Two of those victories have come
inside schedule – overcoming Adam Farrell inside three rounds at
Newport, then inflicting a wide cut under Karl Taylor's left eye that
saw him triumph in his last outing at the end of the second session.
But Wakeham dismisses any talk of adding another stoppage to his record when he faces Nesbitt.
He said: "Jason is renowned for his durability so I am training for a tough six rounds — I don't expect any favours from him."
Tickets
for the nine-bout show priced at £35 or £50 (inner ringside) and £60
(VIP) can be obtained from Power on 07795 823394 or Wakeham on 07513
433717. They are also on sale at the Riviera Centre in Torquay.
Quoted from the Herald Express on 08/02/10.
