Vacant English Light Heavyweight Title up for grabs as Chad Sugden gets set for homecoming show at Newark Showground’s Lady Eastwood Centre in July
Newark’s most experienced professional boxer will be making an emotional return to the ring as he gets set for his homecoming show on Friday, July 15.
Chad Sugden will be fighting in Newark for the first time as a professional boxer since making the switch in March 2016, going head to head with Portsmouth’s Joel McIntyre for the vacant English Light Heavyweight Title.
No stranger to the title, McIntyre defeated the much-fancied Miles Shinkwin for it in 2016 and since then has racked up 19 wins and only four losses, while Sugden’s record currently stands at 12 wins, two losses and one draw — coming against Craig Richards in 2019.
Their match up takes place at Newark Showground’s Lady Eastwood Centre, where Chad’s manager, coach and father Dean Sugden himself won a world title in 2005, knocking out his German opponent in the fourth round.
“We’re absolutely delighted to be bringing this massive fight to Newark, it’s a real match up and also a crossroads fight for both boxers as the winner would look to push on to British and European level,” said Dean.
“And of course it’s a great reward for Chad’s loyal fans who have travelled all over the country to support him in the past and now have the chance to do so right on our doorstep.
“Both Chad and I are certain this will be an absolutely classic domestic dust up and a great fight, particularly as the English Light Heavyweight title will be on the line, and with Joel being a big ticket seller just like Chad we’re definitely expecting it to be a sell-out event.
“The domestic scene at light heavyweight here in the UK is especially strong right now, with many of the top ten fighting at world level, and a good win against a quality operator like Joel will project Chad back into that top ten.
"Joel will no doubt be thinking exactly the same but, with the other boxers coming up from behind every bit as strong as the ones in front, there are sure to be interesting times ahead for them both
“It’s been really tricky getting Chad matched but Joel has been in a similar position and credit must be given to the two of them and their camps for agreeing to do this.
"But it goes without saying that with that prestigious title on the line there is so much more at stake here than just bragging rights.”
Suggy’s Gym-trained 27-year old Chad said: “My dad’s been working on this one for some time so it’s really good to get it finally over the line and even better to be doing it right here in Newark.
“I’m more than ready to put my skills to the test against Joel, a very game and quality operator who has some good wins on his record including that one against Miles Shinkwin back in 2016 so he has to be respected.
“But make no mistake, come July 15, I will be in the best shape ever and I’m planning to put on a show for the whole of Newark.
"I am buzzing and will adapt in there to make sure I win that English title.”
McIntyre, who hails from Portsmouth, also has plans of winning the title.
He said his experience would help him re-earn the belt.
“After winning the English title last time, I lost it on my first defence but my idea is to win it back and then move on from there,” he said.
“I’m more experienced now, I’ve still got a lot to give and have looked after myself.
"I know this is my last chance but I also know what intensity I have to train at and the amount of professionalism necessary to succeed at this level.
“Respect to Chad but I haven’t come back just to take part — my goal is to put myself in a position to move on to British and Commonwealth titles.
"This fight in Newark will allow me to do that — I know it’s going to be a good one and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Promoted jointly by Dean Sugden and Boxing Connected’s Scott Calow, the show will feature what they both describe as an exciting undercard packed with talent, including a couple of professional debuts.
Full details on the card are yet to be announced though Dean teased another local favourite would feature.
“As soon as the paperwork is in place we’ll be making that announcement — I can’t say any more right now but watch this space to find out what else is in store," he said.
Tickets for the show will be on sale from next week, priced £750 for a table of 10 including food and £650 tables of 10, with all tables having waitress service and access to a separate VIP bar.
Unreserved seating will be available at £40.
Anyone wanting to secure a table or reserve or purchase tickets needs to speak to Chad or Dean.
Alternatively, you can call Karen on the ticket hotline 07816 84092.
Tickets will also be on sale at Suggy’s Gym, 49 Castlegate, Newark.