Zakk Turnstill has left no stone unturned as he prepares to make his professional debut Saturday night in Torquay against M J Hall at the Riviera International Centre on BCB Promotions ‘Clash On The Coast’.
The 19-year-old from Newton Abbot had a solid amateur career, and after a bit of a stalled start to life in the paid ranks, he will get his opportunity to make his first ring walk a little closer to home.
“I started in the sport when I was pretty young and had my first fight when I was twelve, said Turnstill. I had fifteen bouts with Torbay and did well; I won the Western County title, was a three-time Box Cup champion, and represented Devon against Ireland. I had a bit of a break after that and decided now was the right time to turn professional. It has been a hard road getting the first fight on; there aren’t a lot of shows down here, and the idea of boxing somewhere like London isn’t ideal; it’s much better to be boxing closer to home.
Turnstill was coached by former Southern Area Champion Jamie Speight, but after the sixty-fight veteran moved to Thailand, he switched to Seven Hills ABC under the tutelage of Gareth Hogg.
“This camp has been very tough; my first one was full of blood, sweat, and tears, but it has all come together. I have blown the cobwebs off and have been sparring heavier guys to get me prepared for my opponent.
A big fan of Hall of Famer Marvin Hagler, Turnstill has big ambitions and has set his sights on achieving something only one other boxer from the county has done before.
“There are some nerves, and I know it will be a challenging debut against an experienced opponent, but I think it’s normal to feel this way, and I can’t wait to get in the ring. I want to win a British title, and I’d only be the second person from Devon to do that.”
Tickets for Clash on the Coast are now available, priced at £40 standard and £80 VIP, from the boxers directly or by emailing info@bcb-promotions.com.
