Heavy hope Ibekwe looks for second win on Manning’s show

Simon Ibekwe…impressed in his debut in June

AFTER the shimmering success of his promotional debut, I’m looking forward to see what Anthony Manning conjures for his second show, again at the Eastside Rooms, Birmingham, on Saturday.

As the new kid on the Birmingham block, Manning came with a blank canvas for his first venture in June.

He certainly pulled out all the stops. There were rappers, dancers in mirrored bodysuits, a saxophonist who mingled between tables.

It was a happening, something I hadn’t seen on a small hall show before. The welding together of theatricals and fights kept punters in their seats. The atmosphere was certainly memorable.

Manning worked hard to make it a memorable night. It was that.

This Saturday’s instalment of “Nxt Gen” again features new pros Reagan Oliver, a super-bantam with a huge fanbase, aggressive middle Amir Abubaker, and heavy Simon Ibekwe.

Manning’s new signing, cruiser Traie Duberry, also makes his bow on the bill.

Ibekwe, a Londoner now based in Redditch, was given the stiffest task of all the debutants on June’s show. He showed grit to outpoint Lamah Griggs, a man who came to win, but there was understandable ring rust after a lengthy ring absence.

On Saturday, he faces Blackpool’s Jack Darnell, winner of two of 24 bouts, and stopped by fellow West Midlands hope Boma Brown in July. The contest will be again over the apprentice four round distance.

Poster for Saturday’s Nxt Gen show at Eastside Rooms

Trainer Malcolm Melvin is pleased with the progress made by his fledgling pro. He told me last week: “It’s a well-worn saying, but Simon is a work in progress.

“There are blips, which is to be expected with any new pro. Now and again you don’t think they are performing as well as they can, then, today, he was unbelievable in the gym. There have been times when he’s been outstanding, then you are brought back down to earth, but it’s momentary.

“When it clicks, he’s a really good fighter. It’s getting that momentum going. I’ve told him, ‘if you believe in yourself you can do really well’.

“If you’re not on it, Darnell can be an awkward opponent. And with a four rounder anything can happen – you have to be on it from the first bell.

“Simon is getting better and better and I’m looking for a really good performance. He’s a good fighter and heavyweights need a lot of heart. He’s got a lot of heart and courage.

“You need that bit of grit and he’s always shown grit.”