Unbeaten featherweight, Andy Gatenby is set to face Elemir Rafael this Saturday night in Portsmouth and is looking for his sixth straight win in the paid ranks since turning pro in 2013.
The Portsmouth star has successfully triumphed over opponent Rafael already beating the Slovakian over four rounds in September last year. Gatenby delighted the home crowd in Fareham, Hampshire by flooring his opponent in the first round scoring a 40-35 points victory.
27-year-old, Gatenby has won every round in his five pro contests to date and was looking to make a statement in this next fight by challenging former British and Commonwealth champion, Esham Pickering but was forced to pull out of the scheduled fight with an Achilles injury leaving the local lad utterly disappointed, “Yeah, I was gutted, I trained really hard for that fight. It was a big step up in opponent and would have looked awesome on my CV.”
This fight for Andy Gatenby would have undoubtedly been a huge step up in class for the unbeaten prospect so in order to still make a statement this weekend, boxing critics will be looking for a stoppage win from the home fighter.
In response Gatenby said, “If it comes then it comes. The main thing is getting the six rounds under my belt. I’ll take my time, wear him down and if it comes then I’ll blow him away.”
Speaking on the uncertainty of the opponent up to this point, Gatenby stated, “It was frustrating at times not knowing who I’m facing and it is a disruption to me. It’s so up and down having this name here and this name there when I need to maintain that focus, and it can be mentally draining at times.”
Reflecting on the preparation for his sixth pro bout, Gatenby was upbeat and positive, adding, “Training camp for this fight has gone well, perfect really, and I’m feeling fit and strong.”
Headlining fight on the Goodwin Sports promoted show at the Pyramids Centre, Portsmouth is between lightweights Garry Neale 6(1)-0-0 and Andy Harris 3-16(4)-1 as they battle it out over six rounds.
Local lad, Floyd Moore 10(7)-4(2)-1 takes on Dean Mills 7(3)-10(3)-2 at lightweight. The 24 year old, Floyd ‘Pacman’ Moore is looking for a win to get back into title contention after conceding his Southern Area lightweight belt to Adam Dingsdale last June.
Unbeaten light heavyweight prospect, Lee Jenman 4-0-0 takes on Iain Jackson 3(1)-20(8)-2 over four rounds.
The 19-year-old bantamweight, Thomas Kindon 1-0-0 looks to double his win ratio after successfully launching his pro career with a debut win in June over Francis Croes 1-28-0. The Surrey lad takes on seasoned journeyman, Anwar Alfadli 2-44(4)-4 over four rounds.
The 21-year-old lightweight, Ryan Davies 3(2)-0-0 goes in against Joe Beedon 1(1)-16-0 in a fur round contest.
Unbeaten light heavyweight prospect, Chris Hobbs 5-0-0 takes a step up in class against former British Masters champion and Prizefighter finalist, Sam Couzens 11(3)-13(9)-1.
