Doherty comes from a family of bare-knuckle fighters
|
Wales' thrilling young light-welterweight Tony Doherty is unlikely to be short of support as he embarks on his professional career.
Aside from the attention his exciting fighting style garners, the 19-year-old can count on the backing of his 17 brothers and sisters - and a grand total of 79 nephews and nieces.
Doherty, whose second professional bout will be on the Joe Calzaghe-Byron Mitchell bill at the Cardiff International Arena on 28 June, said:
"There is likely to be a very, very big population in Cardiff to watch me in
that one."
Doherty, of travelling stock, was born in London before moving to Pontypool as a youngster, and his family has a tradition in the sport of bare-knuckle fighting.
I have the talent to go on and become a
world champion
|
He became the first member of his family to turn pro when he signed for
Frank Warren and currently makes a weekly commute to Manchester to train in
Bryan Hughes' gym alongside Robin Reid.
Making his professional debut in Widnes against Karl Taylor on 8 May, Doherty dropped his awkward opponent in the second round before claiming a comfortable points victory.
Witnessing that bout was his latest niece, aged just two weeks, and it took all his powers of persuasion to stop his 93-year-old grandmother from attending.
"I sold around 100 tickets for the show in Widnes and my grandmother really
wanted to come but I told her not to," Doherty said.
"Most of my relatives came up for the fight and we're starting them young.
They're all very proud because all my brothers box and my father and uncles did
as well.
"At the moment I know I am just learning but I've got my debut behind me
which I was pleased with and I believe I have the talent to go on and become a
world champion."
Wales' Gavin Rees, Gary Lockett, Bradley Pryce, Jamie Arthur and Scott Gammer will also feature on the Calzaghe undercard.
Rees challenges Kevin Lear for the WBU super-featherweight championship, but opponents for the other fighters have yet to be announced.
Home~RS~a~RS~Domestic~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~09~RS~){kind=small}
MMIX
E-mail this to a friend
Printable version
