Nico pledges to be busier in next fight

Nico Ogbeide…fights in Birmingham on December 20

NICO Ogbeide plans to up the gears in his second pro outing, on BCB’s December 20 show at Birmingham’s Eastside Rooms.

The lightweight, who has made the plunge into pro boxing following a white collar career, pledges lessons have been learned following his points win over fellow Brummie Logan Paling last month.

“I felt comfortable,” said the Bordesley Green 29-year-old. “The only thing I’d change is being a bit busier. It was my first time doing three minute rounds and I was a bit wary so I held back. I had a lot left in the tank.

“I’m always looking for improvement, but I’m particularly looking to improve my output. I could’ve been a bit more spiteful, too. I’ve done the three minute rounds now, I know what they’re about.”

Nico, by day a grounds maintenance worker, was a familiar and respected face on the unlicenced circuit, winning around 25 of 30 bouts. He’s well supported, selling just under 100 tickets for his debut.

He enters the pro game without outlandish boasts, which is refreshing.

He added: “I can make super-feather. I don’t really know how far I can go – it’s a case of keep going and see where it takes me.

“I think I can win titles. My strength is my slickness, not knockout power. I wasn’t known for stopping people in the unlicenced game, but with 8oz gloves there’s a big difference.”