LEATHER DEBUT AT THE COPPER BOX ARENA

Amateur sensation Josh Leather is building up to his big professional debut on the star-studded grand opening of the Copper Box Arena on Saturday 21st September.

Promoter Frank Warren’s newest signing won the ABA Senior Lightweight championship last year and is one of the hottest young talents to turn professional in recent years.

The 21-year-old from Teeside kicks off his pro-career at welterweight in a four-rounder on the undercard of the big British Middleweight title showdown between champion Billy Joe Saunders and rival John Ryder, plus stars Dereck Chisora, Frankie Gavin, Paul Butler and Liam Walsh all in title action, live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky Ch. 437/Virgin Ch. 546).

“It has felt like a long time coming having been in training as professional for nearly 4 months now. To have the date and venue is really exciting.” Said Leather.

“Its made all the more special by the fact its at the Copper Box Arena, where obviously the whole world watched boxing during the Olympics. Also to be fighting on a great bill is a big thing too, you know its going to be a sell out.”

“I am in the shape of my life so far, from amateur’s to now being professional. My weight is perfect. I’ve got a great team around me with my trainer, nutritionist and my strength and conditioning coach – it’s like everything is in the right place. Everything is taken care of, I can get on with my own work in training!”

“The response has been great around Teesside, and the North East in general really, to me turning pro and now having the fight date. Boxing seems to be busy again, especially in Frank’s stable at least. Bradley Saunders, Simon Vallily, and now me, all with Frank – and all live within 20 mins of each other. Which is great.”

“Some things are still very new, you have a little more freedom over things being professional, but I am loving it. I am really excited to get out and fight on Frank’s shows now.”

He added, “I’m looking forward to really stepping my training up, getting that eye of the tiger as they say, and making sure I’m at my best for my debut and can put on a good performance as much as get a win.”

Tickets for the Copper Box Arena show are priced at:

£40 Upper Concourse

£50 Lower Seating Bowl

£70 Floor

£120 Ringside

And are available now from:

Eventim*

Box Office: 0844 269 1000

www.eventim.co.uk

*Tickets will be subject to a booking fee.