Kai Keeping It Fast

Kai Church plans on keeping it fast and furious as he transitions from amateur boxing to his pro debut.

His paid bow comes when BCB Promotions stage a Friday fight night at the Park Inn Hotel, in Northampton town centre (Silver Street), tonight –  November 18.

He turns over on home turf, hailing from Kingsthorpe in Northampton, and trains at the town’s Rough and Ready Boxing Academy, under long-term coach Driton Muhaxheri.

The two have worked together for seven years, since Church was an amateur with Far Cotton Boxing Club. His amateur career saw 19 bouts, with 11 wins.

His last amateur bout was three years ago, in the Midlands final of the National Association of Boys and Girls Clubs (NABC) Championships.

The 22-year-old juggles being a fighter with a full-time job, as a telecommunications engineer for Openreach, and has dedicated himself to the sport.

A large portion of new professionals try to slow themselves down, in the ring after joining the pro ranks, but Church embraces being a speedster.

He said: “I’ve been boxing for 15 years, I started when I was about six or seven and had my first amateur fight at either 11 or 12, but it was always a bit on and off for me.

“I was into other sports, when I was at school, and I played a lot of football, but I got more serious about boxing and started to concentrate just on that.

“I suppose I had a bit of a scattered amateur career. I had time out, here and there, and it’s been three years since I was last in the ring, but I feel ready to come back.

“I had some questionable decisions go against me, in the amateurs, and I can’t allow that to happen as a pro. My preparation has been good, so there can’t be any excuses.

“I’ve kept my amateur style, I punch in flurries and look to set a fast pace. I like to counter punch, too, but I know that I’ve got to attack, particularly when I’ve got a negative opponent.  

“It’s really exciting to be boxing in my hometown, for me and my coach (Driton Muhaxheri) and I’m the first pro coming out of the gym (Rough and Ready Boxing Academy).

“I’ve had a long training camp, it’s been seven weeks all told. When I get in there, I’ve just got to stick to what I’m good at and I’m sure that I’ll get the win.”

Tickets for the Park Inn bill are available, priced at £40 for unreserved seating or £75 VIP ringside with buffet, directly from the boxers or by visiting myfighttickets.com or £45 standard on the door this evening.

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