Newark’s Tom Cowling will headline ‘crash, bang, wallop’ night of boxing packed with stars of the future

Fight fans can expect a ‘crash, bang, wallop’ evening of entertainment as hot prospect Tom Cowling makes his ring return on a card packed with boxing’s rising stars.

Newark’s Cowling will make his return to the ring after a year on the sidelines, topping the exciting 11-bout bill at the Showground this Saturday (March 23).

Connor Meanwell will be another hometown hero on the card while female European and Commonwealth champ Johanna Wonyou has been a late addition.

The Night of the Prospects show is promising to showcase tomorrow’s talent today, but it’s fair to say Cowling – who will be stepping up to super-middleweight – needs little introduction to Newark fight fans.

“He’s had 10 professional fights, he’s 10-0. Hopefully he can get this one done and shed the rust,” said promoter Carl Greaves.

“He’s a new man. He’s trained well and I feel sorry for his opponent as he’s got a lot of frustrations to get out.

“We’re hoping to get him fighting for a championship by the end of the year, that’s the plan anyway.

“He’s a very good talent and I’ve always raved about Tom. I’m sure he’ll get there.”

The bill draws on young local talent from the region with Lincoln’s Jamie Behan, Boston duo Tom Pogson and Harvey Elding, Scunthorpe’s James Richardson also stepping into the ring, along with Billy Scott (Mansfield), Owen Edwards (Doncaster), Ryan Williams (Peterborough) and Irishman Paddy Walsh.

While Greaves is excited to get these boxers on one card, he believes the crowd should share a similar buzz with the opportunity to catch a glimpse of potential household names of the future.

“It’s a great chance for people to see these up and coming talents,” he added.

“Its a fantastic card. There’s no championship contest, but it’s probably the biggest bill fight-wise to ever take place in Newark.

“It’s a card stacked full of talent and I’m really pleased with this. I’m sure a lot of fighters will go on to do big things.”

The rawness of youth should also make for entertaining bouts.

“I remember in my own career when I started out, I used to be a crowd-pleasing fighter. But as you get more experienced you realise you have to adapt your style as you can’t keep having wars,” Greaves said.

“But a lot of our fighters are just starting out, so they’re going to be crash, bang, wallop. But that’s great for the punters.

“It’ll be a great atmosphere and I’m looking forward to the bill, there’s stars of the future for people to watch.”

For Greaves, it’s also testament to the local scene that so many exciting prospects can be brought together under one roof.

“Boxing’s thriving locally, there’s four amateur clubs in Newark now, and there are good fighters coming through,” Greaves continued.

“Newark’s always been a bit of a hotbed for boxing.”

Night of the Prospects will be held at Newark Showground’s Lady Eastwood Centre on Saturday. Doors open at 6pm for first bell at 7pm.

Tickets costing £40 are available on the night.