Craig Woodruff stakes his claim for the British lightweight title this weekend, almost 39 years to the day since another son of Newport became the last fighter from the city to land a coveted Lonsdale Belt.
As Woodruff bids to dethrone reigning champion Gavin Gwynne in an all-Welsh clash in Bolton, co-trainer Luke Pearce is hoping the 30-year-old can match what his own uncle did back in September 1983.
It was at Cardiff’s St David’s Hall nearly 40 years ago that the late David Pearce took the British heavyweight crown off Swansea’s Neville Meade in another between two Welsh showdown fighters.
Six years ago, the chances of Woodruff repeating what ‘Bomber’ did looked slim, but then Luke, fellow coach Johan Berendjy, manager Richie Garner and advisor Andrew Collingbourne came on board.
Team SMoA have helped propel the former Welsh champion, who didn’t fight for five years after losing in July 2014, to a Celtic strap and into the top 10 in the UK rankings.
Tomorrow night, Woodruff, who Luke says has already achieved the team’s goal of fighting for a Lonsdale Belt, can go one step further and complete a remarkable turnaround.
Luke Pearce, Craig Woodruff and Johan Berendjy
“Getting to this point was a massive ask when we all got together six years ago,” said Luke.
“We watched Gavin Gwynne beat Myron Mills in an eliminator for the British and planned to get Craig into a 50-50 fight for the title.
“It hasn’t been easy, we’ve had plenty of hurdles to overcome, but Craig has surpassed our goals and will now be going for the big one.
“Craig is a natural athlete and we have done everything we can in the time we’ve had, to get him ready.”
Woodruff (12-6) knows Gwynne (15-2) – who also puts his Commonwealth title on the line at the University of Bolton Stadium – very well.
Trelewis-born Gwynne, 32, trains at St Joseph’s in Newport under Tony Borg, with the legendary city gym being the venue for sparring sessions between the two in the past.
“Gavin has done an amazing job to become British and Commonwealth champion,” added Luke.
“We expect him to fight the same, looking to force the pace and trying to wear down the opponent.
“Craig is going to be the underdog, but a lot of people thought his career was finished a few years ago and look what he’s achieved. We always strive for excellence and believe Craig has the ability to win.”
“It would mean so much to me, my family, the team, and the city and people of Newport, if Craig can follow in David’s footsteps.
David Pearce lifts the Lonsdale Belt after beating Neville Meade in 1983
“If Craig can get the job done, it will be huge for everybody. It will put Newport on the map and give inspiration to youngsters in the city. Believe in miracles is the motto of Team SMoA, and that’s certainly what we do.”
Woodruff added: “I have put the hard yards in and me and my team believe I will succeed on the night and claim the coveted Lonsdale Belt.”
And Berendjy said: "I know this is our destiny, it is written in the stars."
Tomorrow’s fight on the Wasserman Boxing promotion will be broadcast live on Channel 5 from 9.30pm.
Team SMoA would like to thank the following sponsors for their support:
A&S Formwork Ltd
LeeTech Gas Engineers Ltd
Robertsons Solicitors (Cardiff)
Hawk Sportz
The Health Hut
Consumersmith Fine Art
Hill & Co Financial Advisers Ltd
Gane Structures
The Cross Keys pub (Newport)
O'Connors - Home of the Apples
One Hunna Bullys
Artist Tom Sloan
Weekend Offender
Castore
MPowerUK
Newports Rocky
RAF Diversity Allies
Therapy Works
PhoneBox
Lemon Squeezy
"Craig's employer, A&S Formwork Ltd director Andrew Clifford, has continued his excellent support, allowing Craig time to prepare," said Luke Pearce".
"There has also been some great local additions, such as Consumersmith Fine Art and Robertsons Solicitors, who have sponsored Craig for this historic bout for the city.
"His continued fantastic support from the growing list of amazing local businesses is truly humbling, and they all have a common goal in wanting Craig to achieve his dream and hear 'and the new' on Saturday night."
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