After an absence of a number of years, professional boxing is set to make a welcome return to Newcastle/Gateshead, with promoter Phil Jeffries announcing his next show is to be staged at the Lancastrian Suite, Dunston, on March 10.

Top of the bill will see one of the North East’s most promising fighters, Martin Ward (pictured), in action after his English bantamweight title challenge against Craig Lyon, scheduled for March 31, was cancelled with the champion sustaining cuts in a warm up fight.  Ward, currently 13-1 (2), has been singled out by the boxing press as a potential future British champion, and the 23 year old will be looking to impress in front of his home fans.

“I’m absolutely delighted to be bringing boxing back to Newcastle,” stated Jeffries.  “Fight fans in this part of the region have been starved of professional boxing for a long time, but this show will be well worth the wait.  Everybody inside the fight game knows that Martin Ward is a very special talent and if you haven’t seen him yet live then you don’t know what you’re missing!  We’ve also got other emerging local fighters on the card and this is going to be a great show.”

Appearing on the undercard will be Newcastle light-middleweight Mark Clauzel who is undefeated in four pro outings, with two knockouts adding to his reputation as a big hitter.  The switch-hitting former amateur star has a ‘one to watch’ tag and is looking to push himself up the rankings this coming year.  South Shields’ David Lake is never in a bad fight.  The exciting featherweight, currently with two wins from three contests, is always all-action and will be looking to get back on the winning trail after a controversial defeat in his last contest.  While, local lad, undefeated light-heavyweight Robert Ismay will be hoping to capture his third straight win.

“I’ve said all along that my aim has been to deliver for boxing fans right across the region and that’s why we’re putting this show on for the Newcastle fans,” explained Jeffries.  “Hopefully this show will be a sell-out, which means that we can continue to put on shows in Newcastle in the future.  When the old St. James Hall was around, Newcastle used to have a fantastic reputation for putting on boxing shows, let’s try and get that reputation back – we’ve definitely got the boxing talent for it.”

For ticket information call 0774 7611 020.