Burnt Oak Middleweight Mark Adams is on the verge of having his childhood dream of being a professional boxer come true. As 25 year old Adams is set to pro-debut against Guildford’s tough battler Louis Byrne at the Olivia Goodwin Main Events promoted ‘Search & Destroy’ event at York Hall in Bethnal Green on Saturday 4th June 2011.
Some ten years ago a rather unfit and overweight, weighing in at a whooping fifteen stone, fifteen year old Mark stepped into the boxing gym for the very first time, and loved it. So much so that by time his sixteenth birthday came around Mark had not only lost all his excess weight but was just a few weeks away from undertaking his first boxing match.
Adams opted to fight on the unlicensed boxing circuit, as the style was more akin to the pro ranks, than go the increasingly technical amateur route. A choice that see him win all ten of his fights, seven by way of stoppage, as well as win various titles and tournaments.
His exciting all action style, and his indisputable punching power, soon made Adams one of the biggest draws on the local unlicensed circuit. It also attracted the increasing attention of pro boxing aficionados, who suggested he should think about becoming a pro-licensed fighter.
The increasing lure of a pro career, fueled by the constant praises from local pro boxing fans, lead to discussions with his coach and the decision was made to successfully apply for a pro-boxing license.
Earlier today Adams took a little time to talk about his boxing career to date as well as his transition to the pro ranks, “Yeah, I’m debuting on June 4th. I’ll be fighting Louis Byrne.
I used to do unlicensed boxing, I didn’t really do amateurs, I now regret that, I wish I’d gone into the amateurs, yeah I regret that I’ve done unlicensed and not amateurs, but it classes as experience.
Saying that unlicensed is more like professional boxing than amateurs, which is completely different.
I had ten fights, had seven knock outs, all wins though. I took the British titles, Southern Area title and I won the Prizefighter in it as well. I had some good fights, some tough fights, but that’s what you train for, tough fights.
I’m looking forward to June 4th, I’ve trained hard. Training for the pros is a little different to the unlicensed, not much though as it’s mainly fitness. Unlicensed is two minute rounds, now I’m going into threes.
I’ve noticed that now I’m a professional people respect me more, like people buy tickets of me now where before they didn’t want to come and watch unlicensed. So it’s a good thing now I’ve gone pro, for myself, my family and everything.
Mark ‘Pee Wee’ Adams versus Louis Byrne will be part of the fifteen bout undercard supporting the Ryan Barrett – Geoffrey Munika International Masters lightweight Title fight at the Olivia Goodwin Main Events promoted ‘Search & Destroy’ event at York Hall in Bethnal Green, London on Saturday 4th June 2011.
Tickets, priced £35 (Standard seated) and £50 (Ringside) for the ‘Search and Destroy’ event are available on-line now at www.tkoboxoffice.com, in person at The TKO Boxing Gym, Gillian House, Stephenson Street, Canning Town, London E16 4SA or from any boxer appearing on the show. For further information call: 07960 850645
