SWINDON middleweight Kelvin Young will soon enter the next phase of his development as he faces his first southpaw as a professional, writes PETER FOLEY.

And the fight against Bobby Wood at the new MECA venue in Regent Circus on Saturday, March 5 is one he is relishing.

“Some orthodox boxers cannot cope with facing the mirror image when you meet someone leading with their right hand, but it has never worried me,” said the 23-year-old.

“I boxed six southpaws as an amateur and won five of those fights. I think it is all down to your mentality.

“I’ve travelled to several other gyms to spar with left-handed fighters so I’m well-prepared for this encounter.”

Walsall-based Wood, 29, turned professional just a few months before his Swindon opponent and has four wins from seven outings, losing to Ty Mitchell last time out at Burton upon Trent.

Next month’s bout will be Young’s first of the year and he is aiming to carry on from where he left off after outpointing Martin Robbins in Bath last November, ending the Bristolian’s unbeaten record in the process.

And he reflects that having fellow Swindon fighter Craig Leadbeater alongside him is stirring a few memories in the process.

“I started at Penhill before Craig and remember training alongside him as he prepared for his first amateur bout,” said Young.

“Now history is repeating itself in the paid ranks and I’m alongside him again.

“Being close friends is an added bonus, we are there encouraging one another all the time.”

Meanwhile, Melksham fighter Liam Richards will box for British Masters Super Featherweight belt at MECA following the withdrawal of Wiltshire middleweight Nick Blackwell.

Blackwell was due to defend his English title against Matt Hainy but pulled out with a virus, handing Richards a title shot against Steve Gethin, against whom he has chalked up two clear points victories.

Richards said: “We boxed twice before at the end of 2009, but that counts for nothing this time as there is now a title at stake.

“He might feel there is a score to settle so I’m ready and prepared to face a very determined opponent.”

Tickets for the March 5 MECA bill start at £30 with a VIP package also available at £60. Contact Keith Mayo on 07789 890453.