SUMMERBELL REVEALS ALL

Tom Summerbell gets a homecoming outing on July 15 when he makes an appearance at Newcastle’s Vertu Motors Arena on the undercard of Josh Kelly’s fight against Gabriel Alberto Corzo for the WBO International Super Welterweight Title, live on DAZN. Turning over in February, Tom is already unbeaten in two under the Fight Academy and Fightzone banners and the chance to appear on such a big stage in just his third outing is great experience for the ambitious welterweight from nearby Trimdon. “Tom’s very talented and we have high hopes for him,” explained promoter Dennis Hobson.  “As everyone knows, we’ve got a great track record for developing our fighters and moving them into the right opportunities, and we’re also happy to work with, and help, other promoters.  “So, this is a good chance for Tom to get some more experience under his belt.  He’s also well-supported, which means his fanbase – and a different audience – get to see what he’s all about.” Ahead of the event, find out more about Tom as he reveals all… What age did you start boxing? I first started boxing at the age of 16 and only a few months later had my first contest winning by stoppage in 40 seconds of the first round. What success did you have as an amateur? As an amateur I was regional champion five times from novice to open class level and also won two elite belts.  I represented my country and won gold at an international box cup at open class winning in the final by second round stoppage. Favourite all-time fighter? My favourite all time fighters are Sugar Ray Robinson, Floyd Mayweather and James Toney. What are your strengths and weaknesses as a boxer? My biggest asset is my speed, I have got very fast hands, also my fitness is never in question.  I work very hard in and out of the gym.  Also my heart and determination – there is not one ounce of quit in me. As for my weaknesses that’s up to others to try and work out!  I don’t really believe I have any particular weakness but there is always room for improvement. What’s the hardest thing about being a pro fighter (so far)? The hardest thing about turning pro is just the amount of extra training sessions I have added to my schedule – fitting them in alongside working full time, but I know it will all be worth it. What weight do you see yourself winning belts at? Going forward I want to box for titles at welterweight. Which current British fighters are impressing you the most? My favourite current British fighter is Dan Azeez. Name one UK fighter you would like to face in 2023/24? After getting settled into pro life this year, I’m hoping to have five fights and then we can take whatever challenges come my way.  Personally, I would like to fight Jeff Saunders, he is another local fighter to the North East and is well known around the area that I live in.  We are about the same weight, it would be a good fight for the Northern Area Title, and it’s a fight I would be one hundred per cent confident in winning. Your favourite meal? Favourite food is fillet steak. Favourite film? Favourite film DJANGO. Favourite city? Amsterdam. Your job outside of boxing (if you have one)? My job is a process operator on an Ineos chemical site. Your boxing ambitions? What do you want to achieve in the sport? My ambitions are to win at least a British title and push on to world honours.  With the right fights at the right time I definitely think I am capable. Who is your biggest inspiration? My biggest inspirations are my partner and my daughter Mary.  They are the reason I put all the hours of work in the gym and dedicate myself one hundred per cent to try and make a better life for us as a family and make them proud. Tell us an unusual fact about yourself? A strange fact about me is I’m allergic to a weird range of foods like nuts, eggs, peas, beans and kiwi fruit. Where do you see yourself in five years’ time? In five years time I see myself ranked in the top 10 in the world at welterweight and hopefully pushing onto world honours.  I will be 32 then and in the prime of my life.