10.04.07 – Potteries’ boxing promoters, Impact Boxing have today announced that their next event will take place on 12th May at Stoke’s Fenton Manor Sports Complex for the first time. The seven-fight bill will feature local favourites and regulars on Impact shows Jimmy Doherty and Danny Johnston. Shelton’s Imran Khan together with Burslem based light-heavyweight Justin Jones will each make their second appearance in the pro ranks. Khan will be seeking to continue his winning ways whereas Jones will be looking to go one better than last time when he drew with fellow debutant Richard Collins..
Alsager’s Aaron Thomas will also make his welcome return to Stoke having won his previous two contests in the city. The son of former Stoke City favourite, Mickey Thomas, was forced to pull out of Impact’s last event in February due to an injury sustained in training.
Werrington heavyweight Alex Ibbs will make his first appearance in Stoke since turning pro last year. Trained by former WBC super-middleweight champion Richie Woodhall, Ibbs prevailed in his debut at Aston Villa Leisure centre last December when he beat the Midlands based Hungarian Istvan Kecskes on points in a four rounder. He has been scheduled to fight twice since only to have opponents fall through at the eleventh hour.
At 6’3” and 16st, Ibbs will become the biggest man to appear on an Impact bill to date and the 21 year old is delighted to have the opportunity to box in front of his home crowd: “It’s great to have the chance to fight in front of my own fans in Stoke,” said Ibbs. “I want to match the great achievements that the Stoke lads at Impact are making and I promise to put on a great show for the fans.”
The switch-hitting Chester welterweight, Chris Goodwin will complete the line-up.18 year-old Goodwin thrilled the Kings Hall crowd in February when his tactics completely bamboozled the experienced Kristian Laight and secured him an impressive victory.
Opponents have yet to be confirmed for each of the home boxers but another night’s thrilling action is promised by Impact Boxing’s Mick Carney: “I believe that we have established a reputation for putting on well run shows that provide great entertainment and excellent value for money,” said Carney. “I can see no reason why our next show should be any different.”
“Jimmy Doherty and Danny Johnston are establishing themselves as hot prospects in their respective weight divisions; Imran Khan is an exciting fighter and pulled off a first round knockout in his debut; Justin Jones is a former Welsh ABA champion and has a lot to prove so I expect him to become an accomplished boxer and Chris Goodwin put on a fantastic display last time.”
“We now have a heavyweight on our next show for the first time and everyone loves to see a heavyweight clash. On top of that Alex is a local lad and his fans will help to add to the great atmosphere that we always get at our shows.”
Tickets for the event are available from Impact Boxing on 0845 156 7168 or at www.impactboxing.com