Boxing: Bendall training new breed (From Bournemouth Echo)

Boxing: Bendall training new breed

7:00am Saturday 2nd February 2013 in Sport

STEVE Bendall is plotting to help put Bournemouth back on the boxing map.

Bendall won English honours during his career and is now coaching the town’s next generation of ring hopefuls.

For the past two years, Bendall has been training Jake Gosling at his Francis Street gym.

The 21-year-old super-middleweight is now set to become Bournemouth’s latest professional fight star.

Boxing bosses will watch Gosling have a trial bout in the coming months and, if he passes that, he will make his debut in the paid ranks at Southampton Guildhall on Saturday, March 1.

His career will be guided by Bendall and manager Wayne Batten.

And despite Gosling not having had any amateur experience, Bendall insists he is showing promise.

“Jake contacted me through my website a couple of years ago and we have been working together closely ever since,” said Bendall.

“We train three times every week and he is improving.

“I have sparred Jake and he has held his own with me.

“I think he has got a lot of potential. He is strong, has a lot of heart and just needs the right learning fights to bring him on. He will improve with experience.

“I am looking to build a stable of boxers in Bournemouth and bring shows to the area.”

The show in Southampton is topped by local crowd-pleaser Matty Tew, who is defending his International Masters lightweight championship.

Tickets are available by contacting 07855 942151.