Cole makes an impressive start to his pro career

Former Cleary's Gym boxer Mike Cole made a dream start to his professional career with a third round stoppage of Matt Seawright (Tamworth) in Coventry.
Mike ColeMike Cole
Mike Cole

Late-replacement Seawright was 5lb heavier than Cole and the Napton boxer, having prepared to face a southpaw, was slow to get into his stride against the orthodox boxer.

However, despite fighting with an 8oz glove, Cole’s first backhand broke Seawright’s nose.

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Encouraged by a 50-strong following from in and around Leamington, Cole picked up the pace and landed several clean combinations to clearly take the first round.

With Seawright struggling to breathe, Cole landed another thudding backhand in the second which sent his opponent stumbling to the ropes.

In his excitement to finish off the fight he turned his ankle but despite the swelling Cole remained on top, with a left hook in the third opening a cut around Seawright’s eye.

As the round came to a close it was clear Seawright could not continue and his corner pulled him out.

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Cole, who will now have some time out to rest his ankle, said he was overjoyed to have made a successful first venture into the pro ranks.

“It’s a great feeling winning my first professional fight,” said Cole.

“Loads of lads from Cleary’s Boxing Gym have wanted to and said they were going to turn pro but haven’t.

“So it was great to be the first.

“The whole set-up on the night made me feel special.

“I’m not getting carried away with things as there are bigger tests to come but to be a professional boxer is a dream.

“I’m living my dream so let’s see where this goes.”

Meanwhile, Cleary’s boxer Morgan Ansell has been selected to train for the England team following on from her national junior ladies’ championship success.

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