Newark native and professional boxer Connor Meanwell is taking on arguably the biggest challenge of his life as he steps up to participate in an eight-man boxing tournament next month.

Fresh off an impressive debut win that saw him emerge victorious after a fairly serious head clash, Meanwell is chomping at the bit for further success.

"The event is an eight-man tournament being held at Solihull on February 18," said Meanwell.

"There is £20k in prize money up for grabs.

"My manager Carl Greaves contacted me literally two days after my last fight and asked me if I wanted to do it.

"I said definitely, let's do it, and so we signed up."

Meanwell went on to explain how the competition will work.

"It's a knock-out tournament and to reach the final, you will have three fights in one night.

"I don't really know much about my opponents to be honest but I leave that job to my trainers.

"I know I am in safe hands in preparation for this event so they will know all of the details that we need to know.

"My job is to focus on myself and my training ⁠— to ensure I am 100% ready for this challenge.

"The biggest threat is me if I don't put 110% into this but we are training hard and I am determined.

Meanwell realises that fighting so many bouts on one night is a big ask and he understands the importance fitness will play.

"Fitness is very important but especially in a prize fight tournament like this one.

"I need to be in the best shape of my life and push the pace so these other guys will struggle.

"I am training very hard at the moment for this reason, a lot of my training is running and sparring to get me ready."

Asked what he planned to do with the winnings if he was successful, Meanwell said he didn't have any immediate plans for the money.

"I probably would just save it and leave it in the bank," he said.

Meanwell was challenged in his debut bout and showed tenacity to get the win against a tough opponent learning important lessons during the fight.

"My pro debut was really entertaining for the fans to watch and even though I did have a bad cut, I know if I keep composed in any tough situation I will come out on top."

The Newarker had 40 amateur bouts before his professional debut and is planning out his career for the future.

"My goals for this year are to keep winning and to finish off undefeated.

"In three years I am hoping to be challenging for the British welterweight title if I don't already have it in my procession.

Meanwell and his team will be heading to the event committed to getting the victory.

They are enthusiastic to see as many supporters from the area at the show.

"Support is greatly appreciated," said Meanwell.

"Tickets for the show are £65 for ringside and £40 for standard tickets.

"People can get tickets from me personally, you can contact me through my social media channels such as Facebook or Instagram.

Meanwell cites his father Colin as his biggest inspiration.

"If I can be half of what that man is I know I will be okay in life," said the boxer.

Meanwell who has grown up in Newark has trained in all three major boxing gyms that the town has to offer.

"For a small town like Newark, we have a strong boxing community and a lot of rising potential stars in the making.

"For me personally, learning from them all has made me unique because I can incorporate all of their styles.

"I hope I can be a great representative for Newark boxing, I appreciate the opportunities it has given me so far.

"I just want to thank everyone from Newark for all of their support and I hope I make you all proud as one of your own."

"It's a great opportunity for Connor and this tournament really suits his style," said Meanwell's trainer Carl Greaves.

"No fighter has had more than four fights so it's a very even playing field.

"It will be the luck of the draw and come down to who wants it most on the night but I know Connor will give it everything.

"He had a good debut against a fighter that came to win, which sets him up nicely for this event."

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