A pro debut has been a long time coming for James Drummond as he joins the paid ranks at the age of 34.
His moment will come when BCB Promotions return to the Eastside Rooms, on Woodcock Street in Birmingham, as part of Sunday afternoon’s showdown (June 26).
Drummond is making the long trip down from Exeter, in Devon, where he runs his own business, Tile Solutions UK, to go alongside his sporting aspirations.
He’s slimmed down to super welterweight, in order to make his pro bow, and will be led into battle by Gareth Hogg and Gavin Lane, who are both ex-professionals.
Drummond forms part of a pro stable that includes Shannon Willey and Kristine Shergold, with his fighting journey starting 14 years ago.
A stop-start amateur run was spent with Exmouth Boxing Club and then Hard Knocks, engaging in 16 bouts, which resulted in seven wins.
His career is about to be taken to another level, with over two years of ring rust to shake off, although Drummond has never been afraid to test himself.
He said: “I’d been in the amateurs for a very long time, but the first club that I was at could be inactive, so I went around the gyms sparring, to build up my experience.
“I’ve been matched with some interesting guys, I always seemed to be filling in for someone else and I was quite a chubby kid, so I never boxed at the right weight.
“I’ve got myself into fantastic shape and my determination will always keep pushing me to be the best that I can be. I just want to box and get stuck in.
“Nothing is going to deter me from my dream and I would have liked to have gone into the pros sooner, but I’m glad to be here now.
“Since I’ve been working with Gareth (Hogg) and Gavin (Lane, coaches), I’ve got myself down to my lowest-ever weight and I’ve come a long way.
“I think of myself as a come-forward pressure fighter, who is defensively sound, and I like to break my opponents down. I know I need to catch the eye, of the right people, quickly.”
Tickets for the Eastside Rooms bill are available, priced at £40 standard or £75 VIP ringside with buffet, directly from the boxers or by visiting myfighttickets.com.
Please note that doors will open at 1pm and not 2pm, as previously stated. VIPs Sunday dinner is to be served at 1.30pm.
