BOXER Iain Weaver has dedicated his upcoming bout in Bournemouth to the hordes of family members who supported his fledgling career as a boy.

Ferndown fighter Weaver, 23, announced on Friday that he would take to the ring at the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) for his sixth professional fight on Saturday, March 15.

His manager Gary Hyde is currently in the process of setting up an opponent for the ‘Blessed One’ on the back of five straight victories since turning pro in April last year.

After beating Damian Lawniczak on his professional debut in London, Weaver floored Karihi Tehei in the first round of his second fight over in the United States.

A points victory over Michelino Di Mari followed before he took down Morocco’s Hassan Elyatouti inside 70 seconds in Cataluna, Spain. Brazilian veteran Edilson Rio became his latest victim last month.

However, the flying start has been tempered by an ongoing licensing battle with the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC), with Weaver forced to fight abroad or on UK bills with foreign licences.

But with the German Boxing Association sanctioning the BIC date, Weaver is keen to put on a show for the extensive list of relatives who have clocked up so many miles to back him over the years.

Weaver told the Daily Echo: “I have a lot of family who like to watch me as often as they can but with so many of my fights being abroad, they can’t get to them.

“To have everyone watching me in Bournemouth will be brilliant.

“My mum has five sisters and they all used to come to every fight with their husbands along with my nan and grandad which was good for me as a kid.

“I had my first fight at the age of 11 in Ruislip near London and they were all there for me. I never used to fight anywhere nearby but they kept coming to places like Portsmouth, Southampton and Canterbury.

“They have always called me the golden boy of the family because I was the first to go out and achieve something in sport.

“With work and looking after their children, they haven’t been able to share in my professional career so far so it is going to be great for them to watch me live and feel a part of it. This fight is for them.

“Hopefully, I can put on a good performance for everyone and make them proud. It is also important for me to show people in Bournemouth what I can do.”

  • Weaver is looking to acquire sponsorship for his upcoming fight. Interested parties should contact Jade on 07867 382890.