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New Dad Nellins driven by Tony Jr ahead of comeback fight


Little Tony arrived earlier this month and new father Tony Nellins [3(0)-0-1] is now approaching his return to the ring with an even greater sense of purpose.

The Belfast welterweight fights this Saturday night after a year-and-a-half break from the ring.

Following injuries and a lack of opportunities, Nellins is back in the ring a the Shorts Sports and Social Club on the Holywood Road as part of the ‘Back in Belfast’ card.

It’s been a hectic last couple of weeks for the popular puncher with the arrival of his son but Nellins remains committed to the cause and the fitness professional is promising to put on a worth performance for his new namesake.

‘The Baddest Man in Belfast’ told Irish-Boxing.com that “the camp has been good, plenty of sparring done from start to finish.”

“The last few weeks have been tough with the wee man arriving so close to fight night – although him arriving drives me even more to get the win and put on an outstanding performance.”

A noted ticket-seller, Nellins brought the house down when he fought at the same venue last March.

His draw with Ross Jameson was perhaps the under-the-radar Irish Fight of the Year made all the better by a large and loud following in the atmospheric East Belfast hall.

It will be the same again on Saturday, predicts Nellins who revealed that “as always, I’ve plenty coming to support me.”

“The atmosphere will be electric.”

The Eastside fighter hasn’t taken a soft comeback bout either.

Despite the time out, he goes in against Bulgarian Radoslav Mitev, a frequent visitor to these shores

More than capable of testing Irish opponents, Mitev would look to be a rather tough assignment but the laid-back Nellins is nonplussed.

Sharpness won’t be an issue, he insists, and outlined how “I’ll be sharper than ever!”

“As I said, I’ve kept consistently training to stay ready and to avoid getting rusty and having to start all over again from scratch.”

“[Mitev] is not as tough as me! Come one, come all!” finished the fan-favourite.

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Joe O'Neill

Reporting on Irish boxing the past five years. Work has appeared on irish-boxing.com, Boxing News, the42.ie, and local and national media. Provide live ringside updates, occasional interviews, and special features on the future of Irish boxing. email: joneill6@tcd.ie

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