New cruiser Sonny’s aiming for the top

Shake on it…Sonny with trainer Richard Carter

NEW pro Sonny Clarke has promised to bring fireworks and finesse to the cruiserweight division.

And the Wolverhampton 21-year-old certainly has the heritage to make his mark. His uncle was Howard Clarke, the fine Warley boxer who fought Fernando Vargas for the world light-middleweight title.

Sonny, who is being trained by Richie Carter, has turned over with BCB Promotions after a recent MMA and Muay Thai fight career. He hopes to make his debut in September.

As an amateur boxer, he had only four unpaid bouts, but faced the best from the get go. “I reached the CYP national finals and lost on a split decision,” he said. “From the start I was facing the top of the top.”

And he’s a young man who has certainly travelled. He’s been in gyms in London, Nottingham, Smethwick and Warley.

“I moved down here from High Wycombe three or four years ago after my mum passed away,” he explained.

“I was originally with my dad in Birmingham, then moved to Wolverhampton.”

By day Sonny – a fighter with quite a following – works for a fencing company.

He said: “I’ve always had a passion for boxing, always been in and out of training. Boxing has been a big part of my life and, over the last six months, it’s been non-stop.

“Now I’m going up, I know there are a lot of good friends who will be following the journey. I think the pros will suit me more. I have a nice boxing style – hit and don’t get hit, but when I smell blood I will go for the kill.”

Sonny has no doubt he has the tools to become a champion.

“One hundred per cent I can reach British title level and beyond. We’re aiming for the top!”