South Shields' Anthony Nelson keen to grasp unexpected title chance on massive Newcastle boxing bill

Anthony Nelson admits he's keen to step out of the boxing shadows and prove himself on the big stage.
Edwards and Nelson (left).Edwards and Nelson (left).
Edwards and Nelson (left).

The South Shields fighter has been handed the chance to take on Charlie Edwards for the WBA Continental Super Flyweight title on June 16 at Newcastle's Metro Radio Arena.

The Matchroom Sports event, which will be shown live on Sky Sports, will be headed up by Forest Hall lightweight sensation Lewis Ritson, as well as Sunderland's former Rio Olympian Josh Kelly.

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It was an unexpected call for Nelson, who has been out of the boxing game for two years since a career first defeat to Jamie Conlan in London.

But, despite the jump in levels, it was an opportunity he was desperate not to pass up, despite only having his ring return lined up for Temple Park Leisure Centre this weekend.

"In an ideal world I would have had a few fights after my comeback then go in with someone like Charlie, but we do not live in an ideal world," said the 32-year-old.

"I've been out for a while, semi-retired, just sitting back and seeing what's going on.

Anthony Nelson and Charlie Edwards go head-to-head.Anthony Nelson and Charlie Edwards go head-to-head.
Anthony Nelson and Charlie Edwards go head-to-head.
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"I'm back now with a comeback fight on Saturday and then straight back into a big fight with Charlie.

"That’s the sort of fight that I want to be in and I think I deserve to be in.

"I've proved myself in my last couple of fights that I belong at that higher domestic level so it's a massive opportunity.

"These sorts of chances don't come around that often and if you don't take them they may never come again."

Anthony Nelson and Charlie Edwards go head-to-head.Anthony Nelson and Charlie Edwards go head-to-head.
Anthony Nelson and Charlie Edwards go head-to-head.
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Elsewhere on the bill Ritson aims to win the British title belt outright with victory over Paul Hyland Jnr, while Kelly takes on Kris George for the Commonwealth welterweight title, Darlington's former World titlist Stu Hall fights Gavin McDonnell and fellow Sunderland man Glenn Foot could yet be added to the bill.

Promoter Eddie Hearn, who was in attendance at this afternoon's press conference at Newcastle Civic Centre said he could not wait to see big time boxing return to the region.

Hearn said: "It's fantastic to be back in the north east and this is a brilliant card from top to bottom with five excellent title fights.

"We're back here in a big way and I'm really excited about this bill. Every time you come to a place like Newcastle you feel like the city really wants you to be here and you want big shows with the Sky Sports cameras - it feels like a Belfast or a Liverpool, it feels that the city is ready for a great night of boxing and that's what we've delivered."

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*Tickets will go on sale at Noon today and are available online, from the booking hotline number 0844 493 6666 or in person from the Metro Radio Arena Box Office. Please note venue facility and booking fees will apply.