Van-Gelder is given his first real pro test

Jay Van-Gelder…steps-up to six rounds in only his third bout

IN an era that’s become a little soft with padded records, you have to applaud Jay Van-Gelder’s demand to be matched tough.

You also have to praise Anthony Manning for providing the Redditch featherweight with the kind of test he craves rather than wrapping the ticket-seller in cotton wool.

On March 14, on Manning’s Eastside Rooms, Birmingham, show, Van-Gelder steps-up to six round level after only two contests.

And in the opposite corner will be Middlesborough’s Caine Singh – tough, game and dangerous enough to pull off his share of upsets.

To date, Van-Gelder, a former national amateur champ, has faced journeymen with survival on their mind. Singh comes to scrap.

I watched him give fellow Manning fighter Josh Rose a torrid time in December, 2024. Less than two months ago, Singh made fine prospect Shabir Haidary battle hard for a points decision.

What’s more, Singh is coming off a Christmas win over Jake Morgan who had lost only one of eight before their clash.

This is no given for 22-year-old Van-Gelder, this is a very good contest. This looks like being fight of the night.

“I want to be fast-tracked and get the recognition I feel I deserve,” Van-Gelder said. “I said to Anthony, with my last two opponents it was survival and how long they can hug for. I said I wanted a six rounder.

“You train so hard and face someone who wants to hug. I want someone who is looking for a win. On my debut, I had my hands down because I got

“I was looking at Singh’s record, he’s had some upset wins. Hopefully, I’ll face that version (of him) on the night or a better version. If he comes to throw, it’s only going to end one way.”

Van-Gelder, a product of Redditch’s Studio ABC, gained a reputation on the amateur circuit as a big puncher. He’s had to settle for points wins in the pros, but it’s hard to stop opponents not prepared to take risks. Singh will take risks.

There’s a lot to like about the fighter: he possesses pin-up good looks, hits hard and has an all-action style.

“The power is my trademark,” he said, “it’s my brand. Come and watch me and it’s probably fight of the night, it’s entertaining and this is an entertainment business.

“2025 was a year for learning, I learned a lot. 2026, let’s see how far I can really go. I want a couple more learning fights, but I believe I’m not a million miles from a Midlands title fight, I feel it’s around the corner. It’s one step at a time, the next being 3-0.

“I was always told my style was a pro style and I’ve found making the change quite easy. What I didn’t realise is how much you have to put into the marketing. I didn’t realise how much you have to market yourself, go to meetings, the medicals – I didn’t realise there were so many layers and so much depth to professional boxing.”

He added: “Redditch has got behind me. It’s quite a small town that hasn’t made a lot of noise in boxing. For me to be making the noise is an honour.”

A stoppage win over Singh and the noise will get a lot louder.

*Van-Gelder wishes to thank the following sponsors: A&S financial brokers, gmammal, Wins Wins Wins, No Limits Sports Therapy and Athena Performance.