By John Hannen

Jonson McClumpha could be forgiven for looking for an easy bout, when he returns to the ring on Pro Box North East’s ‘Summer Rumble’ show at the Stadium of Light on July 7. 

The undefeated Sunderland puncher (pictured) got his career off to a flying start after turning over in 2010, racking up five wins, but has been side-lined since March last year with injury.

Now fighting-fit again, the 22-year-old is more than happy to be thrown in at the deep end on Phil Jeffries’ annual ‘Rumble’ show, when he gets his toughest test to date against Newcastle’s Andrew Buchanan.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” explained Jonson, a former England international.  “Everything is going really well and I’m getting fitter and stronger with each session.  I just can’t wait to get in there.”

Jonson’s clash with his local rival should be a terrific battle.  Buchanan has been a pro since 2000 and has lost just once in six fights.  After an eight year break, the 33-year-old returned to the ring in May, putting in an impressive performance against Sheffield’s Dean Walker.  With the added incentive of North East bragging rights also in the mix, neither man will want to lose, and confident McClumpha is convinced he will come out on top.

“I haven’t seen much of him really but have been hearing some good reports,” revealed Jonson, who has KO’d two opponents.  “He had a lot of amateur experience so he will be good.  I’m expecting a good fight and he is coming to win, so it will be tough.

“I wouldn’t be in the game though if I didn’t think I could win, so I’m very confident.  But that’s taking nothing away from Buchanan because I’m sure he feels exactly the same way.”

“This is a great match-up,” said promoter Jeffries.  “Jonson is a very talented boxer.  There are high hopes for him and who knows how far he would have progressed by now if he hadn’t got that injury.  This is a really hard test that he didn’t have to take but he is happy to be matched tough and I give credit to both these fighters for facing each other.  This will be a fantastic fight for the fans.”

McClumpha versus Buchanan is one of four North-East derby fights on the ‘Summer Rumble’ bill at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light on July 7. The others include Sunderland’s Kirk Goodings versus Middlesbrough’s Shafiq Asif; South Shields’ Anthony Nelson versus Middlesbrough’s Mohammed Waqas; and County Durham’s Ben Jackson against Newcastle’s Chris Bennett.

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.

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