Eales returns to ring after breaking hand

Ashlee Eales…a prospect with pure dynamite in each fist

ASHLEE Eales – the Warwickshire warrior with a real wallop – returns to the ring next month after breaking his hand.

The tall southpaw gives the left hand its acid test on Tommy Owens’ June 3 show at Sports Connexion, Coventry.

“It seems really strong,” he told me. “I’ve been smashing really hard with it in training. If I have to, I’ll smash the guy over the head with the other hand – I carry rocks in both.

“If it goes, it goes – it’ll just mean quick surgery.”

Hand damage is the curse of big punchers – and Nuneaton’s Eales certainly “bangs”. It “went” in the one round demolition of Craig Sumner at Sports Connexion last November. The middle finger metatarsal was broken, a knuckle damaged.

Ashlee, aged 28, said: “My baby boy had just been born when it happened – I had a cast when I first held him.

“I know I should’ve done all the runs while I was recovering, but I didn’t. I enjoyed my time with my son. I’ve been solidly in the gym for five weeks now and it’s been the best camp.”

Eales – a force at either welter or light-middle - has won all seven pro contests and registered a three round KO of Kirk Stevens who went on to win the lucrative Top Boxer tournament.

Not surprisingly, Ashlee is itching for a step-up.

“We are hoping next month’s fight will be an eight-rounder,” he said. “Jon (Pegg) is looking for an opponent. He knows if he accepts just anyone, I’ll blow them out of the water.

“I’d like the fight after that to be for the Midlands title, but I have to be realistic. I’ve been in one six rounder and that lasted two rounds, I don’t have the amateur experience and we’re early in the pro game. Those around me say I need an eight rounder.”

Eales is adamant that, free from injury, his time will come.

He added: “I don’t believe there’s anyone in the (welter) division – above or below – who can hold my power.”