South Shields public flocking to London for Anthony Nelson fight

The champion boxer sold his first batch of tickets in under two hours for his super-flyweight match with Jamie Conlon in London on Saturday, April 30.

It is the battle of two of the UK’s leading little men at the Copperbox Arena at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Both are unbeaten, with the Northern Irishman boasting 15 straight wins with Nelson having four few victories.

“It seems to have caught the imagination,” said Mal Gates, the coach to the champ.

“Anthony’s a popular lad and always does well for support.

“But his first batch of 50 tickets were gone in under two hours and we’re waiting on more being delivered, including VIP tickets.

“It’s a fantastic fight for boxing fans to enjoy, but I think the fact that here’s a South Shields kid fighting in London on a massive show is attracting even more fans.

“We’re over the moon with the reaction so far and I think our support will be in three figures which is great for Anthony.”

Nelson v Conlon is the main support bout to Billy Joe Saunders’ first defence of the WBO world title against Max Bursak at the East London venue.

It will be the first taste of the capital for the 30-year-old “Babyface”.

The South Shields FC-sponsored boxer has never operated outside the North-East but thrived in front of a big crowd at Newcastle’s Metrod Radio Arena last year when he secured the Commonwealth titles against Scotland’s Jamie Wilson.

Gates added: “These are the sort of nights Anthony wants.”