Stevens joining Top Boxer show drama
Kirk Stevens…a real Rocky moment for the Telford fighter
THE blue touch-paper has been lit, it’s now simply a question of standing back and waiting for the explosion that will be one of the most exciting fight night for years.
Tommy Owens’ and Jon Pegg’s Top Boxer tournament – a last man standing welterweight tournament that will see eight fledgling, hungry pros battling for a £20,000 prize pot – looks set to thaw the ice at Planet Ice, Solihull, on Saturday.
They will fight over three rounds, with the winner taking part in three contests on the same night. For the victor, a career best payday of £8,000 awaits.
It’s a night of early fireworks not to be missed by fans. Be there – or regret it.
And the drama has already begun, with a pure Rocky moment. Telford southpaw Kirk Stevens (1-3) has joined the party at late, late notice following the withdrawal of Lekan Obiora from Glasgow.
For 33-year-old Stevens it’s the chance of a lifetime. He has grasped it with both hands. When the call came, he posted on social media: Absolutely buzzing. Just got off the phone to Jon Pegg, I'm fighting in this tournament. Now time to show them what time it is!”
Pegg said: “Kirk has got his rocky moment I told him to stay ready and he has and now he’s got a huge opportunity to show what he’s capable off. Come and support Telford’s own Cinderella man!”
The draw for the tournament was made on Wednesday and the quarter-final pairing is: Jags Purewal v Taylor Greig; Brett Egan v Connor Meanwelll; Danny Costello v Tommy Loach; Kirk Stevens v Don Itutu.
They HAVE to come out blasting. The action will be raw and heart-thumping.
Promoter Owens said: “This is a great platform for the lads, this will get the lads noticed. It’s a big step for ourselves and the lads who are fighting in it.
“They are all hungry and this is a proper 50-50 event – I couldn’t pick who is going to win. When you turn pro, you want to be a champion – that’s the main aim. It’s going to be a very exciting night.”
He’s right. The format means there must be thrills and spills. Those taking part will endure blood and bruises before claiming a career best purse.
Apart from Stevens, the other hopefuls are:
Jag Purewal
Jags Purewal (Selly Oak, 4-0). He said: “Those who think I’m too small don’t realise you can’t hit what you can’t catch. The bigger they are, the harder they fall. Winning this will give me the opportunity to be on bigger shows. The prize will help my family and gym.”
Brett Egan
Brett Egan (Birmingham, 3-0). He said: “I’d love to fight Jags. Victory would push me up the rankings and open up more opportunities.”
Danny Costello
Danny Costello (Nuneaton, 1-0). He said: “Anyone can beat anyone – it’s all on the night. Hopefully, winning will lead to more sponsorship.”
Taylor Greig
Taylor Greig (Derby, 1-0). He said: “It’s all about the rankings. Win this and you’re right up there.”
Connor Meanwell
Connor Meanwell (Newark, Nottinghamshire, 1-0). He said: “It’s a great opportunity for me. I’m a fighter. We got the call straight after my last fight and I said, ‘go for it’. It’s my chance to prove I’m a contender.”
Dan Itutu
Don Itutu (Derby, 2-0). He said: “It’s a great platform to get my name out there and gain sponsorship.”
Tommy Loach
Tommy Loach (West Brom, 3-0-1 and inactive since 2018). He said: “Hopefully, this will help get a place on a big TV show.”
The night will be run on the same lines as nationally televised tournament Ultimate Boxxer, but the entry rules are much stricter. No boxer with more than 10 bouts under their belt and a title to their name could take part.
Away from the rough and tumble of Top Boxer, the night will also see Nyall Berry and Dylan Norman looking to stretch their unbeaten records.
What a fight night. Just make sure you’re there for a truly memorable night.