10:20am Tuesday 16th June 2009
By Craig Lyus
BOXERS are flocking from far and wide to climb into the ring at the next professional show in Swindon.
Tickets are already selling fast for the next KM Promotions event - dubbed ‘School’s Out’ - at the Oasis Leisure Centre on July 24.
Such was the success of February’s ‘Fright Night’ card at the same venue, promising pugilists are lining up to be involved in promoter Keith Mayo’s previous efforts.
Lightweight Jamie Speight was in the crowd at that last event and was dazzled enough to trek from his native Torquay to claim a spot on the upcoming card.
The 20-year-old, who won on his pro debut in April, said: “I went to the last event at the Oasis to watch my friend Chris Higgs and I was really impressed with the set-up.
“It should be a great event again and I can’t wait for it.
“I’m going to be fighting Michael Devine. All I know about him is he’s going to lose on July 24.”
Speight’s friend Higgs, 21, is also on the bill having appeared - and won - on all of KM Promotions’ pro shows to date.
His last outing at Mayo’s Cheltenham show in April ended in a knockout of lightweight rival Robin Deakin, and the two will meet again in a grudge match at the Oasis.
“I stopped him in the third round. He was really cocky and there’s some bad blood there. It’s going to be a good fight and I’ll be training like a warrior for this one.
“It’s a great set-up here and it’s going to be a top show.”
Domestic boxers from as far as Newcastle are scheduled to fight, and there’s even a Ghanaian, Languaye Wilson, on the bill.
But it’s the two home favourites who will really bolster a four-figure crowd. Jamie Cox is the headline act, ably supported by his former Walcot ABC teammate Marlon Reid.
Reid is pencilled in to fight Londoner Emeka Oragui and echoed the praise for Mayo’s efforts in boosting the sport’s profile in the town.
Reid said: “You’ve got to say well done to Keith. With every show he does he’s attracting more and more people to boxing in Swindon and that’s brilliant.”
For tickets to the show call the Oasis box office on 01793 445401 or Keith Mayo on 07789 890453.
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