Sunderland’s Kirk Goodings is super-confident as he heads into his derby fight against Middlesbrough’s Shafiq Asif.  
The North East pair will clash on promoter Phil Jeffries’ ‘Summer Rumble’ show at the Stadium of Light on July 7, and the tough Mackem (pictured) is counting down the days to getting in the ring.

Last November, with just a week’s notice, Goodings pushed British light-welterweight title challenger, Steve Williams, all the way before losing on points over 12 rounds. With that loss the only one on his nine-fight ledger, Kirk believes he is in top form as he prepares to do battle with Asif.
“I’m very pleased with my career so far,” stated Goodings, who has one inside-the-distance victory. “Although I have that defeat on my record, when you look at the fight and my performance on a just a week’s training, I think it just speaks for itself. So I know in the back of my mind now I can go as far as twelve rounds, and that’s one thing less to worry about.”
‘Chubzy’ Asif, however, is sure to be a tough test. The Teessider is undefeated in six and, although he has only been a pro for a year, has shone with some very accomplished performances. With the Northern Area lightweight title also up for grabs, neither man will want to lose – but ‘Bulletproof’ is convinced he will come out on top.
“I’ve only seen this kid on YouTube,” revealed Kirk, “and he seems a very credible opponent. I take my hat off to him for stepping up but he hasn’t been in with anyone like me, someone who is going to throw more than 15 punches in a fight.
“I’m coming to win, defeat is no option. I have a full training camp behind me so this fight is going to have fireworks. I guess you could say I’m very confident, and the support from my friends, family and sponsors is spurring me on even more.”
“I’m really excited by this fight,” stated Jeffries.  “Kirk says this bout will be fireworks and I believe him!  Both of these lads are great boxers and I think this is a really tough fight to call.  I can’t praise these two fighters enough, neither is looking for easy fights and they have both been prepared to step up to the plate.”
Goodings versus Asif 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 Newcastle’s Andrew Buchanan versus Sunderland’s Jonson McClumpha; 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.
(Picture Credit: Rob Chambers.)