The venue is the Royal Hotel in David Place and the opponents to open their special season are north London club Trojan, doubtless hoping to put a dampener on Leonis’ celebrations.
Dave Thompson, however, is backing his men to show their style and come out on top.
‘They are itching to get into the ring after a delayed start to the season, and they’re fitter than ever to meet the challenge,’ he said.He also warned Trojan that they are in for a tough time in Jersey.
‘We can hold our own with any club that comes here and the fans are always fantastic,’ he added.
Topping the bill is crowd favourite Ben Murray, a lightweight described by Thompson as ‘a skilful boxer who tops the bill because he’s one of our promising young stars.’ Thompson is confident that Murray will revel in the pressure of being in the first bout with Trojan’s Peter Liggins, an experienced London fighter.
Returning to the Island after a three-year absence spent in his native Scotland, super heavyweight John McKechnie steps into the ring hoping to continue his record of 15 fights, 15 wins.
‘He’s very strong,’ said Thompson.
‘The crowd get behind him because he’s exciting to watch, a good fighter with a strong uppercut.’ Also on the bill are the rapidly improving light-welterweight Tommy Noel, who at just 15 is showing a lot of potential, lightweight Joe Rogerson and stylish bantamweight 17-year-old Elliot Kennedy.
‘Tommy is an exciting prospect,’ said Thompson, ‘and Elliot is looking very sharp.’ Light-middleweights Paul Young and Danny Maka face Darren Brewster, a clever boxer, and Andrea Canegrath.
Another light-middleweight, Shaun Irving, will box North Londoner John Clooney.
Thompson hopes that the fans will enjoy the action every bit as much as they have over the past 50 years.
In what promises to be an exciting night, the Jersey boxers will be eager to show that they can share a ring with the best.
‘The boys are raring to go,’ said Thompson.
‘The extra wait has meant extra training for them,so they’re all in good shape.
Boxing is a close-knit community and we all help each other to prepare as well as we can.
We can’t wait to get started.’ The first bout is at 8 pm and tickets are available at the door or from Vowden Sports, tel 879685.
