Impact Boxing: Jimmy Doherty Headlines Stoke Bill September 29

Unbeaten Jimmy “The Whirlwind’ Doherty will top Impact Boxing’s next bill which is to be held at Fenton Manor Sports Complex on 29th September. 22 year-old Doherty is now undefeated in his first six professional starts and now steps up to contest an eight round bout for the first time. Jimmy is scheduled to meet Carmarthen’s Gavin Tate in a welterweight contest.

31 year-old Tate has won 5 of his 11 professional contests with 3 of his victories coming within the distance. Of his six defeats all but two have been by a single point and he has never been stopped. Tate therefore represents a real threat to Doherty and the local man will need to be on top form if he is to prevail.

“It’s pleasing to have won all of my fights up until now but it’s time for me to step up,” said Doherty today. “Gavin Tate represents the right type of opposition for me at this stage of my career; his record suggests that he is beatable but that he can also be dangerous. Its just the sort of challenge that I’m looking for.”

“With Scott Lawton, Gary Reid and Chris Edwards all having major title fights this year its shows the rest of us just what’s possible and it spurs us on to try to achieve the same. I would love to be challenging for British and Commonwealth titles in the next few years but for now my goal is to win a Midlands Area title. There is always a fantastic atmosphere in Impact’s gym but the buzz is greater than ever at the moment because of the Lawton/Khan fight; all the lads are drawing off it and it’s great motivation for all of us. My next fight is simply to prepare me for this goal.”

Hanley’s English flyweight champion Chris Edwards is scheduled to face Chester’s Gary Shiel in a warm-up bout before he challenges Huddersfield’s Dale Robinson for the third time in a British and Commonwealth title clash. Edwards fought Shiel in May 2006 and scored a six round points victory.

Scott Miller from Stoke’s Birches Head district makes his pro debut against veteran Karl Taylor. Miller leaves behind him an impressive amateur record of 21 wins from 25 bouts for the Hulton Abbey club; the talented welterweight promises a successful professional career.

Local favourite, Aaron Thomas also appears but has yet to be matched. The son of former Stoke City, Manchester United and Wrexham player Mickey Thomas, Aaron is yet to falter in the professional ranks and the former Welsh ABA champion always has the potential to generate exciting performances. Furthermore, his style suggests that further knockout victories are never far away.

The Chester duo of Kevin Buckley and Chris Goodwin have recently joined the Impact stable and both will feature on the bill.

Buckley, impressed a live TV audience last time out when defeating Tony McQuade, is matched with veteran of 99 pro fights Anthony Hanna. Buckley, a superb technician, should posses enough ammunition to dispose of Hanna but will need to guard against complacency since the Birmingham super-featherweight has scored six victories within the distance.

Chris Goodwin has earned both of his previous victories in Stoke and on each occasion thrilled the Potteries crowd with accomplished performances. Goodwin’s opponent is yet to be announced.

Werrington’s English lightweight champion Scott Lawton will also make his final public appearance only a week before his confrontation with Amir Khan. Scott will be available to sign autographs.

Tickets for the event are available from Impact boxing on 0845 156 7168 or from www.impactboxing.com. Concessions for under 14’s are available for the first time with tickets for children being priced at £10. Adult tickets are £25 or £45 for ringside.

Press Enquiries: 0770 944 9279