Traie wins debut in under one minute

Duberry and Manning (far left) after Traie’s quick fire victory

GONE in 50 seconds…that was the short story of Traie Duberry’s professional baptism.

And that included the count.

The Aston cruiser landed a scything left hook to the body to demolish Joe Nakavuleva on Anthony Manning’s sell-out show at Birmingham’s Eastside Rooms on Saturday.

That was the Arbroath boxer done for the night.

In his first fight, former national champ Duberry made a statement. He also proved himself a ticketseller, with 200 seats sold for his big night.

In fairness, Nakavuleva didn’t come with the credentials to spoil Traie’s party, having won one of five (one draw) and coming off a knockout loss.

But you can’t argue with the way and the speed in which he was despatched.

Manager Manning has high hopes for his new signing.

“The secret has been released,” he told me. “Traie is what I said he was. He was an unknown quantity, now people know where he’s at. He wants big fights, he is the full package – and I’ve messaged big promoters.

“Traie knows the fights he wants to be in and he will be in them with the right guidance. He is the next generation to put Birmingham on the map.”

Manning is carving a reputation as a colourful, even controversial, addition to the Second City pro boxing scene.

He does not hide his ambition, he certainly has no intention of watering down the Manning message.

“You said I rub people up the wrong way,” he told me. He’s correct, I actually put that in print.

“Perhaps they’re not used to being rubbed,” he laughed.

“Birmingham boxing is there to play for.”

Manning’s show on Saturday – his second promotional venture – attracted another big crowd, treated to a blend of pure theatre and boxing.

“People say the second show is harder than the first,” he said. “I found it easier.

“Everyone said the levels where higher in terms of the promotion and the boxing. Everyone said the value-for-money is ridiculous. It’s all about keeping people in the room.”