TRAINER Bob Shannon has hailed protégé Denton Vassell for his incredible gym hunger. Shannon has trained the unbeaten Mancunian for five years and is stunned by his continued dedication and improvement.
The hard work has paid off, and Vassell makes the first defence of his Commonwealth welterweight title against Bethuel Ushona at Robin Park Arena, Wigan on Saturday 26th March.
Shannon revealed: “Denton is the hardest working boxer I have had bar one, Wayne Rigby.
“He is first in the gym and last out. Sometimes I have to say to him ‘enough is enough’ and that is something coming from me because I am a hard taskmaster.
“He is incredible and always ready, but I pride myself on making sure the lads are all in great condition.
“His first defence is the acid test and this is the big one for him. He has come to the oche and the bright lights are on – hopefully he will take the pressure.”
Few people know about Namibian Ushona who has won all 23 fights, but Shannon has first-hand experience.
He was in the opposing corner when Ushona defeated Ali Nuumbembe in a Namibian title fight back in October 2004.
Shannon added: “Ushona is so strong and doesn’t stop coming. I think Denton will win, but this is a very tough fight.
“People in Britain know Ali well enough and the fact that Ushona beat him tells you he deserves to be at this level.”
Vassell, 26, has won all 16 professional fights and will be making the first defence of the title he won against Lee Purdy last April.
In the chief supporting bout unbeaten hopefuls Matty Askin and Neil Dawson slug it out for the vacant Central Area cruiserweight title.
Other action packed clashes feature Tom Doran Adam Little, Rhys Roberts. Jez Wilson, Jazza Dickinson and Tom Shaw
Tickets for this big night of title action are available £30, £55 (Ringside) and £75 VIP Ringside, www.brandhatton.com /0844 847 2500/0161 775 7500