‘The Baddest Man in Belfast’ to return to the ring tomorrow night
Tomorrow night in Belfast, after five and a half years away, Tony Nellins [2(0)-0] will return to the ring.
The exciting puncher made his debut way back in December 2010. A second fight in May 2011 came, but then no more. The Shorts Sports and Social Club will be the scene for his comeback, and the East Belfast man is hoping to get straight back into the swing of things.
Nellins, still only 25, spoke to Irish-Boxing.com and explained the reason for his long absence from the ring, as well as reassuring fans that tomorrow will not be a return to square one. He described how “I’ve been pursuing my career in personal training, although I never stopped training for boxing, I’m back because I love the the sport and want to achieve what I know I can!”
When asked about the potential for a lack of sharpness, Nellins replied “not at all! That’s what my training camp was for, to get rid of the ring rust, plenty of sparring and heavy bag work will stand me in good stead going in to this fight.”
Nellins will face Scotch journeyman JP McGuiness [2(0)-3(2)] in his comeback bout, which will play out at welterweight – although the Ulsterman has his sights set on moving down to lightweight.
The crowd-friendly fighter idolises Mike Tyson, indeed his back is adorned with a tattooed portrait of ‘The Baddest Man on the Planet.’ Nellins even styles himself on the heavyweight legend, outlining how “I believe my style to be similar to that of Mike Tyson. I keep my head moving, ducking and rolling under my opponents shots getting myself in position to let my own shots go – making them pay”
While he isn’t promising an Iron Mike-style KO, Nellins stresses that he isn’t going into the fight looking to bank rounds, and hopes to crank up his level activity in the coming months.
“I don’t like to make predictions,” he admits “I will see what what my opponent brings to the table and find a way to deal with him, but if I see the opportunity to get him out of there early I will!”
“My goal is to win and keep winning, fight as much as I can in 2017 and start chasing titles as soon as my management feel I’m ready.”
