GaryFox

Gary Fox goes into the biggest fight of his career determined to take the positives from his last contest.  
Fishburn’s Fox takes on Kirk ‘Bulletproof’ Goodings for the Mackem’s English lightweight title at the Rainton Meadows Arena on March 7, and the Northern Area champion says he is a better fighter after his September 2013 defeat to highly-rated Scott Cardle.

“I boxed terrible,” analysed Gary on his away-from-home loss to unbeaten Cardle.  “After the first four rounds I weren’t too bad but then I just threw the fight away.  After the fight I didn’t feel like I’d left it all in the ring.  I maybe gave him too much respect; I don’t know if it was also the show and the occasion.  Normally I would just get stuck in but I didn’t and I really regret the way I boxed that night.
“I’ve learnt from it though and know I should get stuck in more.  I’d rather get carried out of the ring than walk out of it and I felt like I’d only had a spar.  Scott Cardle couldn’t crack an egg; he’s not a puncher, so I don’t know why I didn’t get stuck in.  There was no way he could have stopped me.  But I have learned from it.”
Goodings picked up the English belt after a terrific battle with Middlesbrough’s Paul Truscott last October, when he beat the former Commonwealth champion over 10 action-packed rounds.  And with Fox now believing the champion is overlooking him, he is determined to become the new belt holder on March 7.
“I think he thinks he’s better than he really is,” said Fox on Goodings.  “I’ve got respect for all fighters but I’ve got zero respect for him now.  He’s been on the news saying that he’s defending his title three weeks after we fight, so he’s obviously looking past me.  So I’ve got no respect for him and can’t wait to get in there.
“I’ve found my weight now at lightweight.  I don’t want to go out and get beat twice in a row now and obviously I’m going to give it my all.  I’ve got my back up with the way that things have gone and I’ll take that into the ring with me.  It’s going to be a great fight to watch.  I’m very confident and I feel I’m a fair bit more heavy-handed than he is.”
Promoter Phil Jeffries said: “This will be an excellent fight.  It’s a great contest for the North East and both lads will give it their all.  It’s hard to pick a winner and the crowd will be in for a war.  It’s a cracking show all round and the perfect warm up for the big Hall versus Ward show later in the month.”
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; 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.