New pro Neale aims to deliver excitement

Luke Neale…featherweight makes his debut in Coventry next month

BIRMINGHAM has a new pro who’s pledged to bring explosive action to Midlands rings.

Luke Neale makes his debut on Scott Murray’s major Sports Connexion show in Coventry on September 11 and the featherweight has warned fans to buckle their seatbelts. They’re in for an explosive ride.

Luke, I’ve been informed, can wallop. “I’ve always been able to bang,” he confirmed.

The Winson Green 20-year-old will be fighting out of Eastside’s multi-title gym and managed by Jon Pegg.

Luke’s turned to the paid ranks after a 40 bout amateur career – initially with Pat Benson’s gym, then Eastside – that saw him collect two Midlands titles. One of his last vested assignments was a trip to Ohio where, in a tournament organised by promoter Murray, Luke dropped a controversial points decision.

“I turned pro because I wanted a change,” he told me. “I’ve seen people around me who have turned over at a younger age and achieved amazing things. I thought, ‘there’s no reason I can’t do that’.

“Since the age of 14-15, everyone has told me I am more suited to the pros, it’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I do like sitting down on my punches.”

An opponent has yet to be named for Luke’s first four rounder, but the identity of the man in the opposite corner is unimportant. The newcomer will be looking to unload.

“One hundred per cent I want to entertain,” he said, “because that brings in more people to watch the sport. That’s why I watch boxing, to be entertained.

“My strengths are explosiveness, the will to fight anyone, hard work, dedication and heart – heart’s the biggest attribute.  There’ll be nerves on the night, but I’m focusing on remaining calm. I’m in the middle of selling tickets right now and it’s going very well.”

He added: “I don’t want to put a limit on what I can achieve, I want to go all the way.”

September 11 will tell us a little more about how far that journey will take him.