Seaham scrapper Jordan Ellison backed for tough test in Preston

The 20-year-old takes on Manchester boxer Chris Conwell over four rounds in Preston.

Ellison switched to the Hartlepool-based squad from his Darlington base after his previous coach moved overseas.

The former Horden Sportsman ABC amateur star has won two of his four contests and his new head coach, Peter Cope, is looking forward to working in his corner for the first time.

“Jordan is a smashing fella,” said Cope. “He’s settled in really well here and I’m over the moon with the way he’s trained. He’s done everything that’s been asked of him and he’s done plenty of sparring with the lads we have in the gym and done well.

“He’s up against it tonight – we’re in the away corner against an unbeaten kid from over there. But Jordan’s a good boxer – he’s quick, he’s skilful and he’ll give anyone a fight.”

Conwell has won all seven of his pro bouts.

Meanwhile, coach Neil Fannan has no fears about Tommy Ward freezing on his big night at Houghton’s Rainton Meadows Arena on Saturday, March 5.

The 21-year-old will top a bill for the first time when he faces Robbie Turley in a British super-bantamweight championship eliminator.

Ward has won all 16 of his professional appearances and Fannan is confident that figure will increase to 17 against the Welshman.

“I think Tommy will raise his game even more if he gets greater attention,” said coach Fannan. “That was one of the reasons why I wanted to split them up on this show.

“I just wanted Tommy to concentrate on himself and lap up all the attention.

“I have no issues over how he’ll handle the night.

“Tommy has great belief that he’s going all the way in boxing – it’s all he lives for, all he dreams of.”