Sunderland boxer Glenn Foot excited by Houghton fight night

The Sunderland crowd favourite will have a four-round contest at the massive Phil Jeffries-promoted show at Houghton on Saturday, March 5.

Foot boxed only three times last year and told the Echo that will not be enough in 2016 if he is to get into contention at light-welterweight.

The 28-year-old had a mixed 2015 – two championship fights were called off, one was lost and one was won.

Defeat at Sam Eggington for the British and Commonwealth welterweight belts last July prompted Fot and coach David Binns to announce the future would be focused at the next weight down – light-welter.

However, Foot’s only fight since, while an absolute belter, was a 10-round derby dust-up with Sunderland neighbour, Kirk Goodings.

The Marly Pots puncher needs to get March 5 chalked off and then fight at light-welterweight to get himself rated in that division.

“I need more fights, straight away, one after another to get back into my rhythm,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to getting in the ring for this.

“I’ve been sparring with Craig Dixon and Darren Surtees, from our gym, and I’m buzzing to have this bout.

“I’m supposed to fight again in July but if there is a show in May I’d like to get out then.

“I want to be busy over the next few months which will be good for me.

“I’m happy to go to light-welter – I can do that weight easy – but I have to be active, more fights.

“I’m looking forward to a good 2016.”

Foot is part of a star-studded cast at the Rainton Meadows Arena with fellow Wearsiders Warren Baister and Isaac Macleod in action, along with Commonwealth super-flyweight champ Thomas Essomba.

Top of the bill is the British super-bantamweight tile eliminator between Tommy Ward and Wales’s Robbie Turley.

For tickets, contact Phil on 07747611020