TK readies to up his game, in memory of his former mentor, Ronnie Rowe

Newcastle’s newest cruiserweight, he previously traded at heavyweight, Jone Volau Taukeinikoro, 5-5(2), makes his first appearance in over sixteen months this Wednesday night when he opposes Northern Ireland’s former European light heavyweight champion, Steven Ward, 12-1(4), on the MTK Global/Sky Sports fight card in South Kirkby, Yorkshire.

Taukeinikoro, known affectionately to friends, family, and those close to him in the fight game quite simply as TK, is now managed by Carl Greaves, he was last managed by Ronnie Rowe MBE and Lewis Pendleton at the now defunct Fighting Chance Promotions.

Debuting back in 2015, as a heavyweight fighter, TK won his first three outings, one of which was a stoppage victory over Jan Hrazdira at the Gateshead Leisure Centre, but has been on the end four straight losses in his last five, including his last, in May last year, against Simon Vallily, now 17-3-1(7), at the Eagles Community Arena.

“That was my last fight at heavyweight,” said TK.

“I went into that fight completely head-on and just got caught flush with a shot to the head.

“When I hit the canvas, my head was telling me to get up, whereas my legs wouldn’t let me.”

In a way TK is more fortunate than other fighters in that he doesn’t have to rely on sponsorship to keep him in the fight game, but he’d have liked not only way more than the ten fights he’s had in the past five years, and some title opportunities as well.

An injury curtailed TK’s fight career in 2017, putting him out for the year, making him, as he says, as being “the unlikeliest boxer around,” something which can also be seen over the twelve months prior to the current climate.

“I was meant to have what, four, five fights last year but they all pulled out for one reason or another,” continued TK.

“Personally I’m not scared of getting in the ring with anybody, but fighters, honestly, some are afraid of losing that ‘0,’ I mean come on, I’ve been over to Germany, been to the Ukraine, and loving the fight game.”

The fight in Germany would see TK stop Burak Sahin, now 13-1(7), in three rounds back in 2017, whilst the journey to the Ukraine where he lost to Andriy Rudenko, now 33-5(20), also in three, the following year.

Throughout TK’s career, one of the mainstays has been a certain Paul Charters, a north-east fight veteran who won two Northern Area titles, and challenged for the European title in a career spanning 1988 to 1993 and finished with a fight record of 20-13(12).

Charters, alongside that of the legendary fight figure Ronnie Rowe, who would have celebrated his birthday at the weekend gone but unfortunately passed away last year, has passed down his vast wealth of knowledge to a fighter who has lost three stone to drop down to cruiserweight, the Army man revelling in the training, and ultimately getting back out there under the lights, and that’s what he said to new manager, Carl Greaves.

“I’ve been training non-stop for a while if I’m honest and dropped down to cruiserweight to be able to stay in the fight game,” added TK.

“And to fight on Sky Sports, with someone who is a really good kid – but I’m going out there to collect that win, and stop him whilst doing so.

“But I said to my manager to put me out there and to contact the likes of (Mick) Hennessy, (Frank) Warren and (Eddie) Hearn.

“Without people like Charters, I’d have probably given up, he keeps me focussed on what I’m doing; he lives and breathes boxing.”

After Ward, TK is wanting those title opportunities that have slipped by the wayside so far, and with that of Isaac Chamberlain 12-1(6) nationally, or Michael Webster 4-0(2) regionally as possible opponents.

“It’s a case of whatever comes my way, then I’ll take it, no matter what,” stated TK.

“Wednesday night however, I’ll be thinking of my good mate Ronnie.

“This will be the first time I’ve fought since he passed last year – he believed in me when most others would have, and did, turn me away, he’s a really big miss to us all so this win will be for him.”

Jone Volau opposes Steven Ward at cruiserweight on Wednesday 30 September at the Production Park Studios, South Kirkby, on the undercard of O’Hara Davies versus Tyrone McKenna and Ryan Walsh against James Dickens in the Golden Contract featherweight final – the MTK Global show will be televised on Sky Sports and ESPN+

(Sports content sponsored by Waves Holistics North East, wellbeing and team development, with a little laughter, across the region)

Classy Glassy aims to roll back the years as he welcomes back pro-boxers to iG Fitness

Hartlepool’s Ian Glass has trained a number of professional boxers over the years and now, as we look to head out of Lockdown, he’s welcomed back two former favourites in Billy Snaith and Jeff Saunders.

Boasting near two decades of experience, having turned his own life around from being overweight and spiralling out of control, Glass has passed on all that experience to some quality fighters, and often with devastating effect.

Talent such as Michael Hunter, the Denton’s Craig and Mark, the Leather’s Josh and Kalam, and the Saunders boys, Bradley and Jeff, have all walked through the IG Fitness gym doors at one point or another.

“It’ll be two decades come January 1^st since I opened the doors here,” beamed Ian.

“Back then I couldn’t coach those that I do now if I’d not been through what I have done myself to get to this point.

“That’s why I tell people who do come in, that I have been there and I’ve done that and that I understand a lot of things.

“It’s more than diet, more than exercise, people themselves have been through a lot more and that’s why it’s more than just that.”

Having bought the premises back in 2001, when he was just a 23-year-old whipper-snapper, Ian Glass readily, and openly, admits to the demons of his past, those of unemployment and alcoholism whilst also piling on the pounds through bodybuilding, and the occasional spell working the doors.

That never stopped the dream though, and he’s never looked back since those fateful months when he locked himself away to turn it all around.

(Above, Billy Snaith, left, with Ian Glass)

“I was 328lbs back then, and thought I’d buy a gym,” explained Ian.

“I’d locked myself away for six months to turn things around and that’s how it all started for me, by doing it all myself.

“I’ve managed to last the course and I know that there’s an understanding between both myself, and the others; it’s about building trust, and knowing what individual triggers are.”

Having trained professional boxers over a decade-long period, between 2007 and 2017, it’s been a couple of years since Ian Glass, and any fighter, has laced up the leather in his gym. He feels now though that the time is right to go again.

Three years ago, when the Saunders’ brothers and Billy Snaith parted ways, Bradley Saunders hanging up the gloves permanently after an injury-plagued career that saw him finish 13-1 (10) and having claimed the WBO Inter-Continental super lightweight strap and Snaith, 5-0, having won the Northern Area welterweight over then rival, Daniel Cope.

(Above, Jeff Saunders left, with Ian Glass)

Jeff Saunders, who then based himself at Sedgefield, meanwhile has only fought twice since late 2017 and remains undefeated with a 14-0 (6) record but Glassy is all-in for a return to former glories adding: “I’ve trained professional fighters since 2007 and I can 100% guarantee that any fighter I’ve worked with have always been in the best shape of their lives, physically and mentally and in that time only ever losing one fight.

“I do things a little different, no starving them, no sweat suits, no dehydration, no running, just finely tuned healthy athletes.

“We have a three year plan, hard work, dedication and 100% commitment and some lofty goals.”

And with professional boxing slowing whirring back into life, the major promoters of this world announcing behind-closed-doors shows from July onwards, it’s only a matter of time before Ian Glass unleashes Saunders and Snaith onto what will be an unsuspecting world.

Championship glory anyone? The boys will expect no less….

Keep up-to-date with all things (Ian Glass) iG Fitness via Facebook and Twitter or visit the website HERE

(Sports content sponsored by Waves Holistics North East, wellbeing and team development, with a little laughter, across the region)

 

 

A TRIBUTE Scott Westgarth 1986-2018

(Originally published in February 2018 on Pro-Boxing Newcastle Gateshead)

I’ve known Scott Westgarth for nearly five years with myself being a sports & music journalist and he a professional boxer, originally from the north-east.

However, as February 2018 comes to an end the boxing world woke to the news that, at the age of just 31, Scott had passed away, no age really.

Scott had so much to offer still in the boxing world, I know, I’d interviewed him plenty over the past few years, and his winning on Saturday night would have meant my doing his PR for him permanently as well…

We’d talked about his dream of winning the British light heavyweight title but how he’d only given himself a limited time-frame due to his age – now we’ll never know his full potential.

John Westgarth, Scott’s father, is a well known figure in their native Newcastle, he having forged a pro boxing career of his own and fought Glenn McCrory at one point, we can only begin to imagine what the family are going through.

Anyway, one thing that is a shame is that Scott never got to fight as a professional in his native north-east.

When he was up for the Hardwick Hall show in April last year (2017) talk was fresh about the possibility of Scott challenging for the Northern Area title, we had a good laugh, made plans for going forward.

He got a shot at the English though, Scott having enjoyed a ten round eliminator against Dec Spelman in Doncaster at the weekend (24/02/2018 – W PTS10, 95-92)

It was to be a fight that Scott won ensuring he’d challenge for the English light heavyweight title (against the winner of Liam Conroy and Miles Shinkwin), unfortunately it was to be his last though for, as events unfolded at the Dome, Scott went and made himself immortal.

His family will, without question, be devastated, the SBC Unit and the boxing family will be in a state of shock, and I’m not afraid to admit that I have shed a few tears at the loss of a good friend.

See you around Scott, and thank you x

Scott Westgarth 7-2-1(2) 1986 -2018

March 2017 Westgarth Wanting a Tyneside War

Former boxer heads home, to Change your thoughts, Change your life

Former pro boxer, Micky White, has been living a life down under in recent years.

Having trained at Birtley ABC under the iconic Ronnie Rowe, White, now 45, walked away from boxing and turned to the fitness industry, becoming a marathon runner and motivational speaker.

Never forgetting his roots, he returns to his native North Shields to give a little something back, and catch up with some old friends whilst here.

“I used to be a pro boxer in the northeast of England and boxed with Ronnie Rowe at Birtley ABC as an amateur,” Micky told Inside Mann Media & PR.

“Boxing didn’t work out for me so I started to work in the fitness industry.

 

 

“I’m now 45 and live in Australia; I’m a very successful businessman and run a personal development business called Change Your Thoughts – Change Your Life.

“I’m coming over to England next week to run a seminar in my home town of North Shields at my old high school and I believe this will be great for the mindset, sports performance, belief and mental toughness of those involved.”

As a professional boxer Mick won 12 of his twenty contests between 1998 and 2014, making his in-ring debut on 17 July 1998 in Mere, Cheshire, losing to Mike Duffield on points. White won nine of his opening twelve contests, a record which lined him up for a shot at the then vacant Northern Area super middleweight strap against Hartlepool’s Ian Cooper in February 2001, Cooper winning via a ninth-round stoppage.

His final fight in the UK came with a victory over Paul Bonson at the Gateshead Leisure Centre before moving down under, having a further six fights and challenging for the Australia – Victoria State super middleweight title in June 2008.

If you want to know more about what he’s up to now, check out his new program, and Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life, follow the links below….

 

 

MICKY WHITE FACEBOOK    MICKY’S FITNESS FACEBOOK

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Brandon’s Golden Girls all set for Sweden

(Image courtesy of Michael Young Photography)

It’s been a crazy year for the girls at Brandon Boxing Club with both Georgia O’Connor and Megan Bainbridge racking up eight bouts apiece in their first twelve months on the sport.

Now, Sweden-bound to compete in the ‘Golden Girls Championships’ in Borashallen Brandon’s duo have a fantastic opportunity to further themselves on the international stage, and solidify their standing as trailblazers for women’s boxing in the region.

With Georgia (15) already firmly entrenched in the England set-up and lauded over by regional star Amanda Coulson eyes will be on Megan (12) to follow in footsteps already laid down.

Not only has Georgia won six of her eight bouts in her first twelve months she has claimed a European Bronze, a Balkan Tournament Silver, and two British titles (at the National Championships in March and the Junior Development Championships in October), adding something here only increases her stock.

In coach Alex Oliver and his cohorts in the County Durham gym, Brandon’s crop of ‘Golden Girls’ have the support and training they need to progress, much to the surprise of Alex, who said: “Georgia has completely raised the profile of the club in what is only our second full season on the circuit.

“Both girls are doing fantastically well and have created a great bond. They are both really fit and ready to go for this tournament where they’ll look to impress. Also, with someone like Amanda (Coulson) being around then it has spurred on both the girls so now down to how they handle themselves.”

The girls at Brandon have been able to tap into a wealth of knowledge and experience, regionally and nationally, which Amanda brings and affords the pair an ideal role model in which to move forward with. Speaking of the opportunities being presented both Georgia and Megan in Sweden Amanda said: “Georgia is doing magnificently well and to be able to get those international selections, and then win the medals, is amazing. #

“Although she’s just starting out she’s really promising and its incredible hat she has achieved, especially being so young. This all speaks volumes of her talent and we on the international set-up will support her all the way. The bronze and silvers will turn into golds and I can see that happening for her in the not too distant future.

“Alex has two top class girls at Brandon and they’ve done brilliantly bringing them through as they have done in a great family environment and with a continued support network they can both go far.”

As for Megan, it was by chance Amanda got the opportunity to see her and she is already impressing the GB Performance Coach and Lead Women’s Coach for England. She added: “I watched her (Megan) sparring and we did some 1-on-1’s together which was great.

“She has potential that’s for sure, it just depends on what direction she wants to take for she could also end up in the England set-up as well which would be fantastic really.”

Although Georgia is becoming a dab hand at these international jaunts, Megan is on her first trip to pastures new and, with five wins on her record, is looking forward to a whole new experience.

“I’m nervous but excited at the same time about it all,” began Megan.

“I wasn’t sure what was happening when my coach (Alex Oliver) told me a few months ago, I thought he was joking. I’m still not sure what to expect either but I’ll look at getting a few fights in and experience it all.

“I’ve been training daily though for a while now and often out doing something with my parents, or at the club. I love it and just got stuck in so this is going to be a great opportunity for me and I’m more than ready to do it.”

It was at the Ward Degnans show twelve months ago that Georgia took her first bow and she’s never looked back since, she is literally taking it all in her stride.

Her two losses have been on the international stage and they are both reverses she hopes to avenge at some point in the future as she chases several dreams, academically and in sports.

“I want to go university and study Law as well as appear at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo,” began Georgia, who, if her coaches and mentors are listened to, she can achieve that and much more.

“The past twelve months have been fantastic for me and I wouldn’t change any of it as I’m living a dream I have had since I was four. I never really expected to get the feeling that I do and, although it’s been different, difficult at times, I’ve enjoyed the cultures and languages in new countries and for me to be in the England set-up already is fantastic – they’re like a close-knit, second family for me and I’ve found myself looking up to the likes of Amanda and Savannah and the other GB boxers – Lisa Whiteside, Sandy Ryan, Natasha Jonas, Nicola Adams and Chantelle Cameron; they’re the type of people I aspire to be and push me on to succeed in what I am doing.”

Now, as Georgia dreams of Olympic gold in Tokyo and Megan takes her first steps on an international rollercoaster Georgia rightly, and oh so eloquently concluded that: “Sports has no gender.”

 

Lambton Street continue their rise

 

Lambton Street ABC are continuing their progression in the amateur ranks at a more than steady pace as they head into tomorrow nights ‘das schwarze und rote maschine ist kommen’ show at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light.

Topped by an all-Wearside affair between Lambton Street’s 24-year-old, James Downs, and Sunderland ABC’s 19-year-old Travis Waters at 69kg the show promises to deliver excitement galore; so much so that local TV station, Made in Tyne & Wear continue to provide coverage.

The duo were due to clash last season on Sunderland’s home show but now it’s Downs that has home advantage, a position he will look to take advantage of.

He said: “I’ve hopefully got what it takes in this as Travis is a really good fighter and this is definitely that not only myself, but all of us are looking forward to.

“There’s a lot of excitement for this show, and the bout itself but, although I have a lot of respect for him and his family, I certainly won’t be taking easy and hope he won’t either.

“This season though I’m definitely looking at winning something, maybe get into the GB squad as well and give it a go so a win over a local rival will go a long way to helping that happen.”

In Coach Danny Hopper, himself an experienced trainer moving through his badges, there is an awareness of the magnitude a bout like this will have on any show and he said: “This will be a fantastic fight and I know that Downsy (James Downs) has been training non-stop for it even if he has been working away a lot.

“This is a perfect match up for him and the two lads have, ideally, met halfway in essence when you look at the weight. Travis is maturing well and filling out nicely at 19 whereas Downsy is moving in nicely to what looks like his natural weight.

“It is hard though when you’re matching outside the region, especially as most the lads here have already boxed local opponents two, three, even four times and we now have to have three or four names for every boxer to be able to cover any pull-outs and injuries.”

Tickets are available now and priced at £15 standard (£10 if purchased before midnight 12/11/15) and £30 VIP Ringside (table seat); they are available from the outlets – Ticket Hotline: 07541 667 679, all seniors and coaches, Lambton Street Youth Centre or via email tickets@bnrp.co.uk and online at www.bnrp.co.uk.

 

South Durham heading to South Africa

Ran by the Saunders family, Jeff Snr and Tracey, South Durham ABC (based in Fishburn) are heading back into the wilds this weekend as they take part of their senior squad to Johannesburg, South Africa.

A six strong team will head to the African continent for the first time since 2008 when Jeff Snr took a full 12-man contingent for what was an ultimately successful visit and now, due to family friends being there, the club are heading back.

Head coach, and father to professional Bradley and Jeff Jnr, Jeff Snr said: “We went out there with a squad in 2008 after a close friend of the family, Chris Reed, moved there.

“We took a big squad of twelve then and they all won their respective bouts so it’ll be good to go back again. The lads going this time are a good, strong set of open class seniors so it was never going to be a problem.

“We’ll be there for ten days and don’t box until the Sunday in the southern suburbs so they’ll have plenty of time to acclimatise and train a little more before they do box. We’ll certainly keep them busy.”

Alongside Jeff Snr amateur coaches Nigel and James Archer will be travelling (James is also fighting) will be joined by Senior amateur boxers Darryl Clemmet, Tom Hielbron, Dominic Ross and Clyde Best from the South Durham club.

Jeff Saunders Jnr also won his fifth professional outing last night (Friday November 6) when defeating Willis Baloyi on points over four rounds. It is the first time the former paratrooper has been taken the distance in the paid ranks and something he is pleased to finally have done.

 

 

Newcastle Sporting Club set to launch Ex-Boxers

With professional boxing on Tyneside taking a back seat until the New Year the timing is perfect for the launch of a new ex-boxers association – Newcastle Sporting Club Ex-Boxers Association will therefore meet, for the first time, at noon on Sunday 6 December at the Black Bull on Barrack Road.

The quartet of Glenn McCrory (former world champion, president), Steve Wraith, (businessman, author, professional promoter, vice-president), John Gibson (journalist, chairman) and Peter Mann (Media & PR Officer, secretary) are all at the forefront of this new association in which Steve, having already launched ‘Pro Boxing Newcastle Gateshead,’ offers all members discounts on tickets for all his sporting events .

As a former world champion and a pundit with Sky Sports for the past 25 years Glenn McCrory said: “I’m really honoured to be the president of this new ex-boxers association and it’s definitely something which is long overdue.

“Everyone is welcome to the Black Bull and it’ll be great to be able to have a regular catch-up with friends, and fans, across the regions fight scene and I encourage everyone who has a love for the sport in the area to come along and join in what is going to be some fun times.”

Association secretary, and someone who is close to the ground on north-east boxing, Peter Mann, added: “In doing this we can keep the memories of the past alive and integrate them with the present and the future of the sport, not just on Tyneside, but across the region.

“Members will not only get discounts on Steve’s shows but we’ll also be producing a monthly newsletter and Tyneside boxing magazine which will be available to them as well as the usual perks – and who knows, you may even get a chance of a burger with Glenn!”

If anyone is interested in joining the Newcastle Sporting Club Ex-Boxers Association please contact the secretary, Peter Mann via petermann78@hotmail.com or 07596657371.

 

 

Wraith adds managerial string to boxing bow

 

Heading into his fourth year on the pro boxing circuit Newcastle promoter, Steve Wraith, has decided to up the ante and take out his managerial licence, and, in doing so, announces the launch of Pro Boxing Newcastle Gateshead to front his new found boxing operations.

Wraith, who first cut his teeth in a co-promotion with Phil Jeffries at Dunston’s Lancastrian Suite in March 2012 as well as doing similar with the same promoter at the 2014 Summer Rumble, has already put on eleven solo offerings of his own – and it should have been more.

Now, with the launch of Pro Boxing Newcastle Gateshead and his taking a managerial licence the hope is to push things to another level and make 2016 the best yet, even though there has been some bumps in the road.

He said: “I’m coming to the end of my third year as a professional promoter and I’ve enjoyed it; the pros have outweighed the cons, the positives over the negatives and, although we are not going to make millions, we can do a good job.

“The downside I guess is that the rising costs will, more often than not, drive people out, but, with the help of our two main sponsors, Grosvenor Casino and Ideala Health, I’m now able to sit down and plot the progression over the next three years.”

With several things in the pipeline Steve is far from in a hurry to make that first signing and is also in talks with several big names sponsors that will ensure the New Year starts with a bang. And, although going it alone come January, he has the in-house media operations placed for a productive future with Peter Mann continuing as Head of Media & PR, Andy Thompson with photography and Alexander Henderson of H & E Media providing the video-graphic support in which to launch PBNG TV.

“The dream is still the same for us and that’s to find that someone who can come through the ranks and be like (Kell) Brook, (Ricky) Hatton, (Ricky) Burns,” continued Steve.

“We also have our own big attractions in (Anthony) Nelson) and (Jon-Lewis) Dickinson to whom (Eddie) Hearn is interested in and talking about putting them on his shows but for me, I am going it alone in the New Year and I’m forever thankful of everything Danny Cox has done and the doors he’s helped open up.

“We’ll still be doing some events together but the boxing I’ll be doing myself and, with setting up PBNG and all that comes with it – media, website, YouTube channel, we can promote it all and be able to give the sponsors, and the fighters, more than we have done previously.”

Steve’s Head of Media & PR, Peter Mann, knows only too well what it’s like behind the scenes having not only been on the boxing rollercoaster with him from the start, but having produced written content in one form or other for some eight years now.

The next three years is a journey they are looking forward to producing and Peter added: “It’s been a rollercoaster that’s for sure, plenty of ups and downs, but we wouldn’t change it, it adds to the experience we have gained.

“The extension of the media side is good news for everyone and shows that we are not only here to stay, but are more than capable of providing that little extra when needed, and I know there’ll be more to come over the coming months, and years. We all know what we are doing and we’re enjoying every step, every punch, every blood, sweat and tear.”

For Steve the work behind the scenes has been both paramount, and non-stop in recent months; visiting gyms, amateur shows, meeting fighters and trainers, but it’s something he loves doing and knows the need for it.

“I’m only too happy to speak to fighters and help to put them out there but I’m in no rush even though I am in preliminary talks with a couple I want to be able to establish ourselves, put the whole show on the map and provide all round value for money and, although there’s a vague possibility we’ll be out again this year we are already pencilled in for February.”

Any fighters wishing to speak to Steve Wraith about his managing them can do so via email steve.wraith@gmail.com; the new website for PBNG can be found at www.proboxingnewcastlegateshead.com (website under construction)

El Cannon fires last round as Buchanan bows out

“I’ve just about done what I wanted to come back and do,” says an upbeat but understandably disappointed Andrew Buchanan when the news came out about his retirement from boxing due to an ongoing injury to his left eye.

Although he never quite reached the heights he would have loved to, West Denton’s super middleweight Andrew Buchanan, unbeaten since his return to the sport in 2013, has now retired knowing that he gave his all, and had a blast doing so.

“I’ve had the last few weeks to think about it all but with the ongoing injury to my left eye, and on the doctors’ advice, we know that one shot could mean that I lose my sight,” Buchanan said of the decision.

“Although investigations are still ongoing I’m not prepared to take the risk and my family are more important. I’m probably the unluckiest boxer in the region and my career has been fraught with something whether injuries pull-outs or paperwork but I’ve done my part and done the best I possibly could with everything whether in the amateurs or pros.”

A successful amateur career, under the guidance of mentor Ronnie Rowe, Buchanan would be seen tearing things up alongside the likes of David Haye and Carl Froch in the much sought after England vests and would be found training alongside then-professionals John Davison, Paul Charters, Paul King and Manny Burgo.

The decision to turn professional in early 2000 would be a hard one though and, with his now wife Jen by his side, they made the sacrifice together. “I’d been to a lot of the gyms around Tyneside in the early days and I do kind of wished that I had stayed as an amateur a bit longer.

“Within a few fights though I was knocking on the doors of the top twenty in the country and then there was some contractual issues as my brother (Paul fought between 2001 and 2009 winning eight of his twelve pro bouts) and I were suddenly benched,” began Andrew.

Initially with Frank Warren the Tynesider would appear, once, with Tommy Conroy, his only defeat, in 2002, against Jason Collins, as illness took hold and hospitalisation ensued meaning a spell on the side-lines.

Although bigger nights were to come over a decade later Buchanan came back for one night with Gus Robinson’s in Hartlepool. It was time which, other than with Rowe, he regards in high esteem.

“My brother Paul was at the Robinson’s gym along with Nigel Wright at the time and I went there for a brief comeback,” he added.

“The fight was live on Sky Sports against Howard Clarke but it was also around the time our Abbey was born and I had to go out and get a real job. It was a tough decision but one that just had to be made.”

Nearly eight years later, another child (son Cole was added to the young family), Andy and Jen were sitting down talking about a possible ring return, having bore witness to Steve Wraith’s ‘Return of the Cash’ show at the O2 Academy.

(Above, Buchanan at a press conference ahead of a Steve Wraith promotion on Tyneside; below, Buchanan in familiar action pose striking that long right on an unsuspecting opponent)

Wraith, who has supported boxing both Tyneside and beyond for some time holds nothing but respect and admiration for Buchanan. He said: “It was fantastic that I could give him his second debut.

“He’s a great boxer, technically gifted and has the heart of a lion and, although he started off well on his return politics in the area have worked against him, as have injuries and opponent withdrawals. To face O’Neill would have been a great swansong but that was sadly not meant to be.

“His decision to retire is a blow for regional boxing as he’s been about a while and comes from a boxing family and I’m sure he’ll stay in the sport just like Charters and Innes, Jarrett and Potter have done.”

“Attending that show gave me the kick up the backside I needed,” Andrew continued.

“The last few years have been great and to be able to experience it all fully means a lot to me. Facing (Jonson) McClumpha taught me so much about myself, my abilities and that I was actually able to go in there and dig deep, go the trenches and survive. I broke a few ribs and my hands that day but it was worth it; that and winning the Masters title (against Gary Boulden on Mark Clauzel’s show in December 2013) in Newcastle was just amazing.”

Although he never got the main title shot he so richly deserved after an Area title shot was cruelly pulled from his grasp due to injury to his opponent and he was due to have an English title eliminator before his own injury curtailed another promising career, Buchanan’s last fight was at the top of the bill in Gateshead at the Matchroom Fight Pass show in February where he defeated Mark Till on points.

(Above, a fight of the year contender against Jonson McClumpha; below, Buchanan signs for Fighting Chance and returns to the mentorship of former amateur coach Ronnie Rowe, where it all began)

The fight with McClumpha, at the 2013 Summer Rumble was, without question, a contender for fight of the year and the Sunderland fighter said of his time in the ring with Buchanan that: “This is a lonely sport anyway but I would have liked to have settled the score with Andy.

“It was a cracking fight but definitely not a one you want to be in every week and I’ve not had another like it since. It was exciting and I enjoyed it a lot and I really thought I had done enough. He brought his best and it was great for the fans – I’ve nothing but respect for Andy as he is a true gentleman, a fantastic boxer and he would have been capable of winning the British title, I gained a true friend that day.”

A number of people have been by his side throughout his career, notably Ronnie Rowe at the start, Rowe and Lewis Pendleton were there at the end; his wife Jen has played a massive part over the past fifteen years, Tyneside promoter Steve Wraith gave him his second debut and Micky Duncan was there to help train him through some really good times.

The final word on Andrew Buchanan’s career should belong to his ‘long-suffering’ wife, Jen, who with the rest of the family have supported ‘el cannon’ through thick and thin.

“It’s been hard but we knew what we were letting ourselves in for and have supported him to the hilt,” she said.

“Things were starting to look up for him but it’s not worth it (the risk of the injury) and he’s got us to think of as well. It’s just a massive shame and maybe he could have had one last shot but he’s seeming calm and more mellowed out now so it’s time for us to one little, happy family – and I’m glad we’ve got him back.”