Newell vows to show the heart of a Lion

JOHN NEWELL: big test against two-time world amateur champion.

BOXING: 

ROYTON-based light-heavyweight prospect John Newell is currently in Cuba gearing up for what he hopes will finally be his British Lionhearts debut.

Newell (21) is one of four Lionhearts squad members in the 81kg category.

The national team boasts 10 weight divisions, currently contesting Series V of the prestigious World Series boxing tournament against America, Cuba, Mexico and Russia, among others.

Newell, who has trained under head coach Ben Lancaster for the last two years, had been pencilled in to make his eagerly-awaited Lionhearts debut a fortnight ago during the home encounter with Algeria at Bethnal Green’s famous old York Hall venue. The bout had to be scrapped at the last minute due to his opponent’s visa issues.

Now Newell appears set for his Lionhearts bow on Friday against two-time world amateur champion Julio Cesar de la Cruz.

The Royton ace is relishing the prospect of taking on de la Cruz in Havana, despite the enormity of the task.

“I’ve boxed de la Cruz before,” said Newell, just before he left for Cuba. “We fought two years ago when I was representing Great Britain. I lost on points but I remember it was a great fight and I took a lot from it.

The Newell-de la Cruz bout will be featured on BT Sport and ESPN.