25-year-old Ramez Mahmood will get his long awaited tilt for the Southern Area featherweight championship after Josh Goodwin from Goodwin Sports won the purse bids to stage the fight on his forthcoming “LAST CHANCE SALOON” card at York Hall on Saturday, September 7.
In a battle of the unbeaten, Mahmood, who has amassed nine wins from nine since turning pro, has improved with every outing and will be confident going into the clash with undefeated Kent puncher Jack Budge (5-0).
Budge, managed by Kent promoter Joe Elfidh, has the better amateur resume, having lost in the finals of the schoolboys to Jack Bateson in 2009 and 2010. Budge got to to the semis of the ABA and CYP, and again in 2011; then, in 2012, he won the ABA’s and the Three Nations.
“Professional boxing is a different sport” said Ramez, “I respect my opponent but we would not be taking this fight if we did not think we would win.”
Mahmood’s manager Micky Amoo is confident his charge will prevail. “York Hall is his home and he will have major support. You could not meet a nicer guy in the sport and this is his time to shine. You do not get any gimmes at this level and the fact that Budge has a good amateur resume will make the victory ever sweeter”.
Budge was due to face his stablemate Chris Matthews (10-2) for the Southern Area featherweight strap on April 27 at Mote Park in Maidstone, but was forced to withdraw due to family issues after the birth of his twins came early with complications. Three-time Southern Area title contender Martin Hillman (13-6) stepped in to replace Budge, but was left devastated and out of pocket when Matthews weighed in well over the limit, causing the fight to be cancelled.
The Mahmood v Budge clash is part of a title triple header with Kay Prospere challenging Sam O’Maison for the English Super-Lighteight title and Wadi Camacho clashing with Deion Jumah for the vacant English Cruiserweight crown.
More big fights are to be added on what will be a guaranteed sold out event. Tickets are available from www.goodwinboxing.co.uk and www.myfighttickets.com