Tony Pace confident ahead of Welsh title showdown (From Campaign Series)

Tony Pace confident ahead of Welsh title showdown

10:00am Thursday 14th February 2013 in Sport By Andrew Penman

BRITISH Masters lightweight champion Tony Pace is ready to upset the home crowd when he takes on Craig Woodruff for the Welsh title.

Talbot Green fighter Pace takes on Woodruff in his own back yard at the Newport Centre on Saturday, February 23.

The unbeaten 20-year-old won a thriller against Lance Sheehan at the same venue in December to earn the British Masters belt.

Pace was close to being stopped after taking a big left hook in round five but recovered to win on the scorecard (97-93) in what was among the most entertaining Welsh fights of 2012.

Now he’s ready to return to Newport and he’s backing his noisy fans to cheer him on to another title against hometown hero Woodruff.

“It was a real good fight,” said Pace, recalling the Sheehan battle. “He caught me with a good shot in the fifth round but I came back and won and I was so pleased for my fans.

“I had loads of fans there and they made the night for me so I really enjoyed it and hopefully it will be the same again on February 23 and I’ll have a lot of people cheering me on to another good win.

“I’ve been training hard and I’m feeling fit, strong and sharp. I can’t wait for fight night now.”

Woodruff, also 20, was outpointed by Mitchell Buckland on his last fight in Newport in July last year but he too is coming off an excellent win in December.

The Steve Sims-trained prospect forced former British champion Carl Johanneson into retirement with a shock win in Manchester just before Christmas.

“He’s a good boxer but I know what I’ve got to do to beat him,” said an unconcerned Pace.

“He beat Carl Johanneson, who won a lot of fights in his early days but he’s retired now. I’ve had top sparring and I’m ready for him.”

The Steve Sims promotion also features Newport’s Justyn Hugh and Mitchell Buckland, Rhondda’s rising star Liam Williams and Cardiff lightweight Francis Luke Robinson, son of former world champion Steve.

Visit tonythesnakepace.com for ticket information or call the Newport Centre on 01633 656656.