Sunderland doorman Andy '˜Death Wish' Price set to fight for bare knuckle boxing crown

Sunderland boxer Andy Price is to compete in the English Middleweight Bare Knuckle Boxing title.

Andy ‘Death Wish’ Price is a familiar face on the city’s night-time scene having been a licenced door supervisor for 15 years across many Wearside venues.

The 46-year-old, who took up Bare Knuckle Boxing just over a year ago is a contracted fighter to UBBAD Promotions Ltd, who are the world’s biggest promoter of Legal and Sanctioned Bare Knuckle Boxing.

Dad-of-one Andy has had just one defeat in five bare knuckle bouts so far.

He will take on fellow UBBAD Middleweight fighter Chris ‘The Scalp’ Snatcher Wheeldon in Nottingham this Saturday.

Speaking about how he got into the brutal sport, Andy said: “I’ve done bits of boxing before, but I wouldn’t say I’m experienced.

“I’ve been following bare knuckle boxing for two or three years.

“Everybody believes that it’s more dangerous than normal boxing but it’s actually the opposite.

“You can be hit a lot harder with someone wearing a glove than without one. “With a glove, the power is spread across your head if you are hit there. I didn’t really think of that at the time but it’s true.

“The problem is learning to protect your own hands because you can easily break them fighting bare knuckle.”

Andy admitted that he was attracted to the sport because of how “raw” it is.

“When I first started watching it, it was a bit more underground,” said Andy, who lives in Millfield.

“It’s growing in poularity the same way that mixed martial arts was 15 years ago. Now, the likes of UFC are massive.”

Despite concerns over the safety of fighters taking part, medics from Frontline Medical Northeast will be attendance to make sure all of those competing in the 14-fight card are looked after.

“There were no paramedics at my first fight but obviously it’s the right thing that they are in now,” added Andy, who trains with his 13-year-old son Bailey, himself an MMA and kickboxing fan.

“It’s amazing how far it has come on since I started.

“I had to wait a while to get back into training after I broke three ribs, punctured a lung and broken some bones in my face.

“But once the medics cleared me I got straight back into things.

“Fighting for the English title is like a dream come true and I aim to bring the belt back to my hometown.”

Andy is hoping for a good following from Sunderland to be at the show to support him, with tickets for the VIP event at Colwick Hall available online at £50 per person from www.bbadtv.com/tickets.