The Kings Army will be roaring local favourite Sam Best on next month at St James Park for what would be the King’s first outing in near nine months.
Debuting early last year Best scored the first of two stoppage wins with victory against Haidar Sadik, he followed that up with victory against local rivals Steve Cooper (on points) and Lynden Watt (another stoppage, this after just 48 seconds).
Best, who at 23-years-old, has been trained throughout his still fledgling career by Matty Jobes in the heart of Newcastle is anxious to get back in the ring and make up for a near year out where he has seen partner Emily give birth to the pairs first child, son Owen.
“I’ve had to take some time away from the sport to look after my family which is the most important thing,” said Sam looking back at an extended break.
“It was a case of getting used to the pros and living the lifestyle but things are very different this time, I’m more composed and developed, not only as a person, but a fighter as well.
“I’ve been back in the gym fully for the past three weeks now though and this is a great opportunity where I’ll look to show off some new tools and different styles; last year was just a warm-up for me.
“We’ve got something up our sleeves come fight night as well, a surprise that I’m sure will please the fans and then I can look to moving forward with some great fights ahead.
“(Steve) Cooper, I’ve a lot of respect for him so to face him for an Area title further down the line would be something I would be interested in.”
“I’m born-and-bred in Newcastle so this is brilliant, the icing on the cake really and I know that The Kings Army will be out in force come fight night.”
Trainer Matt Jobes, who along with others in the gym were instrumental in aiding to bring Pat Barrett to Newcastle to help co-promote the show, added: “Sam’s a great trainer when in the gym and it makes no difference how long he’s been out for as he always carries some sharpness.
“There’ll be a tough fight for him next month we can guarantee that and hopefully, by the end of the year, he’ll have had three bouts behind him.
“To be honest though, it’s actually quite hard for lads in the West End and we’ve now got Benwell Victoria based at our gym so that helps moving into the new season as well. Sam though, to us, has proved that, with the right coaching, you’ll do well.
“It’s also great for the region as a whole that someone of Pat’s experience and knowledge is willing to come up here. He was a great boxer under Brian Hughes and that experience can only help us all.”
Tickets for the Steve Wraith-Pat Barrett co-promotion, ‘Showdown at St. James,’ sponsored by Grosvenor Casino and Pavel’s Gents Hairdressers, are available now from the fighters and online at www.proboxingnewcastlegateshead.com priced at £35 standard and £75 VIP.
