TYRONE NURSE will kick off 2013 with a shot at the Central light-welterweight title.
The Huddersfield boxer, a former British Masters champion and beaten Prizefighter finalist in the 10st division, will fight Joe Elfidh for the area belt at Doncaster Dome on Friday, February 15.
It’s a big chance for Nurse, who has just turned 23, to further his claim for a shot at the English title currently held by former professional footballer Curtis Woodhouse.
But trainer Chris Aston (inset) won’t be taking anything for granted against Elfidh, a 32-year-old former soldier from Harworth in Nottinghamshire.
A more than solid amateur, former soldier Elfidh chalked up six wins in his first two years in the professional ranks, and travelled to Beijing to spar with British Olympic hopefuls at the 2008 Olympics.
He’s back in the ring after taking a break from boxing following the birth of his daughter, and goes into the clash with Nurse boasting a seven wins, two losses record.
The defeats have come in his last two fights, a Central lightweight title clash with unbeaten Kieran Farrell at Bolton in June and a showdown with former two-time world champion Scott Harrison in Glasgow in September.
“Joe took the Harrison fight at 24 hours’ notice, and gave him a good test in his own backyard, only losing on points” said Aston.
“Before the Farrell fight, he had an impressive win against Joe Hughes, who is well thought of and was unbeaten, and we know he’s an aggressive, but controlled fighter who will give it a real go.
“It’s got the makings of a crowd pleaser, and it’s the kind of fight Tyrone needs to come through if we are to go where we want to go.”
Nurse has chalked up two wins since his sole career defeat against Leeds man Adil Anwar in the Prizefighter final last February.
He saw off Hungarian Karoly Lakatos at Halifax in June and Spanish-based Nicaraguan Santos Medrano at Sheffield in October, taking his career wins tally to 24.
Nurse’s stablemate Scott Gladwin will take on Connor Nixon in a super-flyweight showdown on the Doncaster bill, which is being promoted by Stefy Bull.
“It’s a show I’m really looking forward to and I can see Tyrone and Joe putting on a classic,” he said.
“It will give fans value for money, and that’s what I’m all about. I want people to turn up to my shows, have a great night and spend the next few days talking about it.”
Aston is running coach travel, and tickets to the show cost £35 or £60 for ringside and a meal. Ring 07917 712599 for details.
