Spice plans to rack up the wins in 2020
Debutant Keiron Spice has his professional debut against JJ Smith (0-2) over four-rounds at cruiserweight on Boxing Connected’s ‘Back with a Bang’ eight-fight event at Mote Park on February 29.
The 33-year-old cruiserweight from the Isle of Sheppey started kickboxing at the age of 11 and won an English title. He boxed for Brompton ABC as an amateur during his 20’s, experiencing over 20 bouts, before signing professional contracts with promoter Joe Elfidh last year.
Training with Ray Askew and Sam Latham at the Invicta Gym in Sheerness, Spice shared his rocky road to his pro bow, “I was meant to fight in September last year, but I didn’t get my pro license through from the [British Boxing] Board in time.
“So, I’ve been in camp since last year for this fight, I feel fit, training has gone well, been running some fast miles, and I feel strong.”
Despite the extended wait for his inauguration to the paid ranks, the prolonged time spent in training resulted in Spice dropping from heavyweight down to cruiserweight, and he plans to continue the demotion down in divisions.
“I’m fighting at cruiserweight for this one, but I want to look at stripping down to super-middle in the future, if I can. I’m fit and in shape, but I feel with the right diet I can strip down even further.”
Spice isn’t a full-time pro but his occupation for building materials manufacturer Knauf, based in Sittingbourne, allows him the flexibility and freedom to train like one.
“I get a lot of time off work, I only work four days out of 10, so I’m either in the gym training or out running.”
The 6’1” debutant benefits from sharing a stable with Ultimate Boxxer finalist Lenny Fuller, who headlines the February 29 show, and unbeaten super-middleweight Charlie Shane, who will also be in action on the night.
“I’ve been sparring with Charlie Shane and Lenny Fuller, amongst others, it’s good to mix it up with sparring.”
He went on to describe his boxing style in detail, “I’m quite elusive, there’s lot of head movement, I box a lot, but I can also come forward if I need to, so a bit of a mix really. I’m quite defensive and I’m a southpaw so I like to draw people in and counter punch.”
Following his protracted pause for his pro bow, he is inevitably eager to push on quickly, “I want a busy year, I’m hungry to fight. I’m fit and enjoying my training. I’d like to fight, if I can, every couple of months. If I can get five or six fights in this year, and I’d travel around and fight anyone. I’ll try to fight on all the home shows in Maidstone and I’ll see how this first one goes and then take it from there.”
‘Back with a Bang’
In the main event, Ultimate Boxxer super-welterweight runner-up Lenny Fuller (9-1) takes a leap up in class when he goes in against former WBA Fedebol champion Berman Sanchez (29-12-3) over eight rounds.
Joining him will be stablemate Grant Dennis(14-2), also an Ultimate Boxxer finalist; Martin Hillman(13-6); Charlie Shane(8-0); Brooklyn Tilley(1-0); Paul Brown(4-0); and ‘The Spartan’ Chris Davies (13-0).
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