June Rowlands reports
Just one week after announcing his decision to make the switch from the MMA cage to the boxing ring, Regis ‘The First’ Sugden already has his pro boxing debut in his sights for next spring.
Following in the footsteps of older brother Chad ‘2 Slick’ Sugden, who moved from kickboxing to boxing in May 2016, he will be embarking on the next stage of his fighting career on Saturday 16 March.
And there is more good news for his army of local fans and followers, who will be able to support the Newark 23-year old on their doorstep in Nottingham when he features in a Welterweight bout on the card of the Scott Calow Promotions show at the Harvey Hadden Sports Village.
“This is the right time for me to make the switch, boxing is on the up right now and I want to part of that,” said Regis. “I’ve been thinking about this for a while, I wanted to do something different and more challenging and I’m really excited about getting out there and showing everyone what I’m all about.
“I’ve been sparring with some world class boxers recently and can’t wait to take the next step in my career. Making my debut on the biggest show in my home county is amazing and I’m really grateful to Scott Calow for giving me the chance to do so.”
Regis’s manager and Suggy’s Gym head coach Dean Sugden added: “Once I was sure Regis was making the decision for the right reasons, I was ecstatic. It will be great to see him and Chad doing the same thing again, as they did in their kickboxing days.
“He’s grown up boxing from a young kid and his fans are in for a real treat when they get to see him putting his exciting and explosive fighting style to the test. Tickets will be on sale shortly and you’ll need to get in fast because this is going to the biggest boxing event held in Nottingham for years, with a couple of great headline fights on a card that would be worthy of the attention of Sky Sports.”
There was more endorsement for the switch from UFC legend Dan Hardy and world class boxer and WBA World Super Middleweight challenger Jamie Cox.
“I think it’s exciting that a fighter with Regis’s potential has decided to focus on boxing for a while,” said Dan Hardy. “He comes from a family of warriors and I know that, whatever combat sport he dedicates himself to, he’ll be a force to be reckoned with.
“And if ever he decides to return to MMA, his hands will be that much more dangerous after training in one range of the arts with absolute focus.”
Jamie Cox commented: “I’ve spent a bit of time training with the family and have sparred with Regis. He’s very quick-handed, physically very strong and he’s going to make a big impact on the professional game.
“The Sugdens are part of my boxing family and I’m sure Regis is in good hands with his father and brothers. He’s going to do big things in professional boxing with people like that behind him, myself included. All the best Regis, I’ll be supporting you all the way through.”
Promoter Scott Calow added: “Full details of the card will be announced soon but we’re delighted to get the ball rolling by breaking the news of Regis’s fight first. We’ve been working with Suggy’s Gym for some time, featuring Chad on previous events, and welcoming Regis to this one for his pro debut no less will only cement what is already a great relationship with this Nottinghamshire fighting family.”