Bideford pro boxer Tommy Langford to have first six-round fight

TOMMY LANGFORD is stepping up to a six-round fight for the first time since turning professional last year.

The former Bideford amateur has won his first two bouts in the paid ranks and puts his unbeaten record on the line against Jay Morris, of the Isle of Wight.

The pair will meet at the top of the bill in an afternoon show at the HMV Institute in Birmingham on Sunday, February 24.

Langford, an England international at amateur level, returns to the ring for the first time since his win over Simone Lucas in October. For tickets, call Richard Grigg on 07949 770616.

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Another former Bideford star, Kyle De Banks, is making his mark in the amateur game. The Navy officer has been released from duty to train full time in preparation for the England ABA Championships in March.

De Banks last boxed in North Devon in November, beating Valentin Bumbul in a heavyweight clash at the Durrant House Hotel, Northam.

In a cold venue at Bodmin, Patrick Morton struggled to find his hottest form in the National Schools Boxing Championships.

The Barnstaple boxer was paired with Sam Ingram, of Camborne, in the class three (1998) 54-57kg category of the Devon, Dorset and Cornwall round.

In front of a sparse crowd, Morton found himself in unusual territory, making an erratic start with the referee giving him two warnings for foul blows.

Despite a more disciplined display over the next two rounds, he bowed out with a narrow majority defeat.

Barnstaple will hope for better things from their three other contenders in the competition. Joe Freeman is in action in the Western Counties final at Bristol on Sunday.

A win there would see him join club-mates Mitch Turner and Robbie Squires in the national quarter-finals in London on February 3.

Barnstaple ABC are hosting a show at Roundswell Community Centre on Saturday, February 23, from 8pm. Tickets, at £8, are available from the gym, the Corner House or by calling Mark Simpson on 07749 231121.