ABA hopeful predicting tough clash

John Newell: tough test

BOXING:

OLDHAM teenager John Newell expects a stern test of his senior ABAs credentials when he faces Peter Martin (Wellington ABC) at East Durham College on March 25.

Newell, who knocked out Roach ABC scrapper Jack Steff in the third round of the North-West final last time out, is in the middle of a well-earned mini-break following four bouts in three weeks.

He said: “Peter Martin is one of those fighters who has campaigned for a few years and has reached the quarter-finals and semi-finals in the past.

“He is going to be a tough proposition so obviously I am going to have to be on top of my game.

“I am glad the date and venue is sorted now because psychologically it helps to know the finer details when you are trying to prepare.

“Towards the end of the fight against Jack Steff I felt a bit jaded because there have been a lot of bouts in a short space of time, but I still managed the knock-out which was a big boost, and it was the fourth win in three weeks.”

Martin hails from Wellington ABC, and 18-year-old Newell added: “This three or four day break is mainly designed to help me have a rest mentally before getting back in the groove.

“When you put so much into it and the fights come along thick and fast it can take its toll, but I will come back feeling fresh.

“I am looking forward to taking on Martin, it should be a good one and hopefully a decent atmosphere.”

Look out for Newell’s progress in the ABAs in the Oldham Evening Chronicle.