Now he has had a taste of titles, Sunderland’s Kirk Goodings isn’t prepared to go backwards.
The 24-year-old picked up the English lightweight crown last time out in a terrific battle against Middlesbrough’s Paul Truscott, and ‘Bulletproof’ is determined he won’t go home belt-less when he faces Gary Fox in his first defence.
The pair go head-to-head on Pro Box North East’s next show at the Rainton Meadows Arena on March 7, and Goodings insists he has worked too hard, for too long, to be defeated at the first hurdle.
“Winning the English title meant a lot me,” recalled Kirk, who has lost one fight in 11. “It put into perspective everything I’ve trained for since being 10 years old. And to beat a top class opponent like Paul Truscott, and in the fashion I did, shows what level my career is at now.
“Gary Fox is another good opponent who causes a different kind of threat to Truscott. He’s KO’d the same amount of opponents as me so his power doesn’t concern me too much. But don’t be mistaken, I still do respect his power as every fighter has a punchers chance.”
A North East derby fight; Fishburn’s Fox will be equally intent on leaving Rainton Meadows a winner. Defeated in September against highly-rated Scott Cardle, Fox will look to prove he has learned from that second reverse in 13 outings by toppling Goodings and becoming England’s number one.
“I have an amazing bunch of fans,” continued Kirk, “so there’s no doubt in my mind the atmosphere will be bouncing and this excites me. If I stick to my game plan and don’t get careless then there is only one outcome. I wish Gary the very best and safest for this fight.”
Promoter Phil Jeffries said: “Kirk’s title win against Paul Truscott was full of action, one of the fights of the year, and I think this first defence will be just as good. Both lads are very determined and they won’t have to go looking for each other. This will be a real battle and will top an excellent North East card.”
Pro Box North East presents Kirk Goodings defending his English lightweight title against Gary Fox on March 7 at the Rainton Meadows Arena. Appearing on the undercard will be Sunderland’s Jonson McClumpha and Jordan King; Easington’s Paul Archer; Gateshead’s Rob Ismay; Hartlepool’s Michael Hadfield; Northumberland’s Lewis Scott, and County Durham’s Tommy Ward. More bouts will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
Tickets are available from all boxers or for more info please call 0774 611 020.
*Kirk Goodings would like to thank his sponsors Alldec Northern L; Thoburn Fruit & Veg; MCPS Ltd., and Ian Campbell from Lonsdale.
