PROFESSIONAL promoter Mark Neilson has his say on the latest talking points in the world of boxing.
Maybe lost a bit in this week’s announcement that Boris Johnson was delaying stage four of the roadmap was a big summer fight for Swindon’s ‘Lady Luck’ Bec Connolly.
Connolly, who’s lost twice more since her epic 10 round battle in an eliminator for the Commonwealth title with Rachel Ball on my last Fight Town show at Swindon’s Oasis Leisure Centre, has been given the opportunity to push forward for a shot at the same title if she can overcome the challenge of Australian Ebanie Bridges.
Bridges, a former model and bodybuilder who has been given as much coverage for her choice of outfits at press conferences as her undoubted boxing ability, lost a unanimous decision against Matchroom-promoted fighter Shannon Courtney back in April and proved to all her doubters that she is a fighter to be respected.
Pencilled in for one of three of Eddie Hearn’s big ‘Fight Camp’ shows this summer in Matchroom HQ’s back garden, Bec is being given a prime slot against a fighter with a huge public profile so it’s a massive opportunity if she can cause the upset. I say upset, as although, she’s a Fight Town regular and local boxer, she is the bookies underdog going into this fight. Connolly, who is as tough as they come and will fight anyone, anywhere, really fancies the win.
Talking to her recently, she is looking past Bridges and if she can come through this in style, should get a shot at the Commonwealth title. With female boxing having never been so popular, and being pushed by Matchroom with his ever growing list of contracted fighters, a win opens some lucrative doors for Bec.
Having already fought a couple of times during lockdown on Matchroom shows, Bec is a familiar face on TV and has even done some commentating for their broadcasts so will go into this full of confidence.
With the fight scheduled for August 7, ‘Lady Luck’ has the rare luxury of a full camp to get fight ready after usually getting a late call and having to juggle training camp, weight loss and being a full-time mum of four.
She’s up against it, but with her grit and determination, I know Swindon’s brilliant and loyal fight fans will be willing her on through to the final bell.
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