Fights, fireworks and glamour on Saturday Nxt Gen boxing bill

Promoter Manning with new signing, cruiser Traie Dubbery

ANTHONY Manning, new kid on the Birmingham promotional block, really has pulled all the strings for his show this Saturday.

The man’s added a violinist to the list of entertainers at the Eastside Rooms event.

I’m looking forward to Manning’s second venture as a promoter, again entitled “Nxt Gen”, following the showmanship of his debut back in June.

That sell-out show was a memorable collision of scraps and pure showbiz. Fans were treated to dancers in mirrored bodysuits, a saxophonist, fireworks and rappers.

The glitz was worthy of a world title card.

What happened outside the ring was as memorable as the action inside the ropes.

Manning pledged today: “The atmosphere will be there. My investment is the same and I can only see the shows getting bigger and better.

“It’s hard work. People forget I’m a one man band, I do every job myself. It’s video shoots one day, training my lads the next.”

This Saturday, Manning has thrown in the kitchen sink. There’ll be all of the above entertainment, as well as strings and ringcard girls.

Fans who have not yet savoured a “Nxt Gen” show should take a look. It’s an experience.

Fight poster for Saturday’s show…a blend of scraps and showbiz

There are five fights on the night, with the home corner filled by Reagan Oliver, Amir Abubaker, Simon Ibekwe and cruiserweight debutant Traie Duberry, plus Burton feather Shazad Amran, trained by Shaun Cogan.

All eyes will be on Duberry, a product of Aston ABC who won a national title and Haringey Box Cup in the unpaid ranks. He’s impressed those inside the game.

“I think Traie can go all the way,” Manning said. “He wants to get straight in there. He was made for the pro ranks, the amateurs were just a stepping stone.

“Traie has a bit of everything and he’s been sparring some high level lads. He’s explosive and punches hard. He’ll do well and top promoters are already showing interest.”

Super-bantam Oliver has talent and is a huge ticketseller. Coventry light-middle Abubaker – a barber by day – oozes menace and power. “Amir wants 50-50 fights, he wants a title as soon as possible,” said Manning.

And Ibekwe, trained by Malcolm Melvin, looks a very useful addition to the pro ranks, having come through a tough pro baptism in June. “We’re looking to put Simon out again in November in a six rounder. He wants the Midlands title.”

For a promoter, the second show is always harder than the first. And, remember, those boxers in Manning’s stable were making their debut on his inaugural promotion back in June: it’s easier to sell tickets for your first fight than your second.

Manning is aware of the pitfalls and has drawn up a blueprint for an even more memorable night.

Prepare for the razzle dazzle to be cranked-up a few notches.