Hudson’s Gym Kempsey has teamed up with the South West Rocks Country Club to bring the first fight night to the local area and Leroy Ritchie is hoping to be the star of the evening in his debut amateur bout.
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Born and bred in Kempsey, Ritchie has been training at Hudson’s Gym for four months but already has the confidence needed to step into the ring.
“I am expecting to win, I feel relaxed and I will just go in there and enjoy myself,” Ritchie said.
“(I will) show everyone what Kempsey boys are all about.”
Gordon Lennon organised the event and is Ritchie’s trainer.
He isn’t surprised the 19-year-old is having his first fight early in his boxing career.
“Ritchie has been training well, he seems comfortable and composed,” Lennon said.
“Sometimes people take longer but he is dedicated to training and is down here every night working hard.
“He is sparring pretty well and regardless of the outcome it will be a good experience for him.
“I think he will go a long way.”
Ritchie will be in the ring against Port Macquarie boxer Matt Bruce, who will also be having his first amateur bout.
Bruce has experience on his side though with a past in Muay Thai while he is also five years older than Ritchie.
The fight will be at 75kg and will last three rounds at three minutes each.
“I have always been fit but I am feeling great since I started training everyday,” Ritche said.
“I don’t expect to get tired in the fight and I will keep the pressure on.”
Hudson Gym’s Adam Holmes will also fight on the night against Central Coast’s Brandon Livingston at the 65kg weight division.
It will be Holmes’ second time in the ring after losing his opening match.
The night will have at least 12 fights with Lennon expecting a great display of fights from the amateurs within the Macleay.
“There will be fighters from across the Mid North Coast but also from Brisbane, Sydney and the Central Coast,” Lennon said.
“There will be a lot of talented fighters in the ring on Saturday night and it will be a great spectacle.
“I am very proud to have contributed to organising the first fight night to be held at South West Rocks.”
Doors for the event open at 6pm with the first fight expected to start at 6.30pm.
Hudson Gym is always welcoming people of all ages and experience to learn the sport and if you are interested you can contact Lennon on 0427 623 620.
