999 worker Harley’s Top Boxer big break

Harley Marginson…a former GB wrestler now in the fight game

DON’T judge a book by its cover, Harley Marginson – one of the eight lightweights taking part in September 9’s Top Boxer tournament – insists in reference to his winless record.

Marginson is something of the competition’s mystery man – and he’ll certainly enter the Planet Ice, Solihull, ring a rank outsider, having lost all seven pro bouts.

All of those defeats have been on points apart from his debut, a second round stoppage to Birmingham based Bermudian Mike Tyler, ominously at Planet Ice last September.

All were tough scraps. All were away from home.

Marginson, from Bolton, certainly has the most colourful cover story of those taking part in Tommy Owens’ tournament; a last-man-standing event consisting of three-round bouts.

He is an ambulance crew member, currently working as an emergency medical technician and studying to be a paramedic.

He was a top Team GB wrestler, on course to compete in the Olympics until a car crash destroyed his dream.

After recovery, Marginson, from Bolton, turned to boxing, had a modest eight fight amateur career, then joined the paid ranks.

It has, to date, been a professional career spent on the road.

He said: “I’ve always been on the road where there’s never an expectation to win anything. You turn up and have to knock them out to get a draw. Things can be a little one-sided, perhaps a little too much so.

“Apart from my first fight, when I faced someone who was seven pounds heavier and a foot taller, boxers have expected to get a nice, easy night and I’ve given them the hardest fight of their career.  My record looks crap, admittedly, but everyone I’ve faced has had to work for their win.

“One was a Birmingham lad (Elliott Sowe who outpointed Marginson at the H Suite, Edgbaston, in March). It was pretty obvious how unhappy I was with the result. The man’s face was spread across Birmingham.

“Top Boxer is a chance to win something and get myself out there. Also, NHS wages aren’t particularly high, so anything that helps with housing is welcome.”

Marginson believes his unorthodox style may bamboozle the opposition. “I’m awkward and unconventional,” he added. “Most in the gym say I’m a pain in the backside to spar with and I’ve always had really good fitness.

“I do four rounds, so doing three is fine. Usually, I spend the first seeing how things are, sizing up my opponent. The only difference is getting rid of that first round and being switched on from the start.”

Those who dismiss Marginson’s chances should consider this year’s Top Boxer tournament at welterweight. Late substitute Kirk Steven’s was the night’s biggest underdog, yet won the whole thing.