A BROMSGROVE plasterer is ready to take on the tough sporting challenge of competing in bare knuckle boxing.
Sean Donnelly will make his debut on BKB6 at the O2 Indigo arena on Saturday, July 1.
Fighters wear only hand wraps and gum shields in fights which attract big crowds.
“This is a real man’s sport,” said the 28-year-old.
“You have to be fit and be able to take a shot and give one.
“This is going to be a great buzz.
“Whenever I’ve seen bare knuckle boxing I’ve thought ‘that was good, I fancy a go at that’ and now I’ve got my chance.”
Donnelly’s chance came after he started training at the Toe-To-Toe Boxing Academy in Coventry and they put him in touch with bare knuckle boxing promoters UBBAD.
UBBAD shows have been attracting big crowds and the hope is around 3,000 fight fans will be at the O2 Indigo next month.
Donnelly believes fans of possibly the country’s fastest-growing sport will see him win titles.
“I want belts,” he said. “I want to be the champ.
“I’m aggressive – and I’m ready.”
Donnelly learned the boxing basics at Droitwich Amateur Boxing Club where gym mates included Michael ‘Bulla’ Pardoe.
“I’ve been fighting all my life,” Donnelly added.
“I started boxing at 11 and when I wasn’t boxing, I was fighting on the street.
“Then I joined the Army and carried on fighting.
“I was in the Army for seven years and when I came out, I decided I needed a new challenge, a new adventure.
“Bare knuckle boxing is the challenge I was looking for.”
Tickets for the show at the O2 Indigo are available from 07788 693602.
