By John Hannen

Promoter Phil Jeffries will be breaking records when he puts on his annual ‘Summer Rumble’ show at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light on July 7.

The Pro Box North East chief vowed recently that he only wanted 50-50 fights on his shows, and he’s stuck to his word by fixing up four local derby fights – including two Northern Area title bouts – for ‘Summer Rumble’.

“I’ve been in touch with the Northern Area Boxing Board and they’ve confirmed it,” said Phil.  “There hasn’t been a show in the region in recent times with as many derby fights on.

“Not only are we making North East boxing history but every one of these fights is a competitive match up, and I have to take my hat off to all the boxers for stepping up.”

In the first of the derby bouts, Sunderland’s Kirk Goodings will meet Middlesbrough’s Shafiq ‘Chubzy’ Asif for the Northern Area lightweight title.  Goodings, 8-1 (1), showed his potential last year when, with just a week’s notice, he gave former British title challenger Steve Williams a tough fight over 12 rounds.  Shafiq, meanwhile, is undefeated in six and has earned himself a reputation as one of the region’s most promising prospects with some impressive performances.

Next up will be South Shields’ Anthony ‘Babyface’ Nelson against Middlesbrough’s Mohammed Waqas for the Northern Area super-flyweight championship.  Nelson is unbeaten in six, with one KO, and has earned rave reviews for his exciting, non-stop style.  Waqas, also a crowd-pleaser, has lost just once in five outings, with that controversial defeat coming away from home to Louis Norman.

Following on will be a Sunderland versus Newcastle scrap, with Jonson McClumpha taking on Andrew Buchanan.  Mackem McClumpha was going great guns until injury forced him to take a break after his last bout in March 2012, and the big-hitter will be looking to improve on his 5-0 (2) ledger at the Stadium of Light.  Buchanan recently returned after an eight year break and looked really impressive, beating Dean Walker over four rounds.  With just a sole defeat in six fights, Andrew will be sure he has what it takes to beat his local rival.

Two North East novices will duel in the fourth derby, when County Durham’s Ben Jackson faces off against Newcastle’s Chris Bennett.  Both fighters got off to a winning start on their debuts earlier this year and neither will want a setback at this stage of their career.

Also appearing on the bill will be Prizefighter winner Glenn Foot, English bantamweight champ Martin Ward, undefeated prospects Lee Mould, Tommy Ward and Peter Cope.  While Anthony Hardy will make his debut.

“I really believe this could be the best show we see in the North East this year,” stated Phil.  “I said at the start of the year that I wanted the fighters on my shows to move forward and not be in easy fights, and we’re doing that.  I think this will be a sell-out, it’s always a great atmosphere at the ‘Summer Rumble’ and I must thank my main sponsor, Incredible Pebble, for coming on board.”

Tickets are available from all boxers or by calling 0774 7611 020.