'I’ve never wavered my commitment' - Holmer Green boxer to fight in Liverpool

A Holmer Green boxer will fight for the British and Commonwealth super lightweight titles in Liverpool next month.

Henry Turner, who hails from South Buckinghamshire, will take on Jack Rafferty of Oldham at the Liverpool Arena on October 5.

The ex-Holmer Green Senior School student began his career at High Wycombe ABC before moving onto Repton Boxing Club in Bethnal Green.

He goes into the 12-round bout as somewhat of an underdog, as his opposite number is unbeaten in his last 23 fights.

Turner, who still lives in the small Buckinghamshire village with his parents, said: “I’m mentally and physically in excellent shape and determined and confident I’m going to win those British and Commonwealth titles.

“I’ve never wavered my commitment to boxing.

“I am determined to be the best which is why I now make a round trip of 150 miles to Kent up to six times a week, twice for strength and conditioning with coach Jordan Vine in Dartford and on four days for boxing coaching with Alan Smith at the Ibox gym in Bromley.

“I’m the only boxer in my family and my parents have been so supportive.

“They were fun fair showmen all over England and I worked with them as an amateur boxer.

“It was enjoyable and exciting growing up doing that.

“When I turned professional, they paused the funfairs to help me succeed in the paid game.”

With two belts on the line, Turner hopes he’ll be able to get the better of Rafferty in what will be the former’s first 12-round fight of his professional career.

The 24-year-old has had 22 fights since making his debut 10 years ago, achieving 20 wins in that time – five by knockout.

In fact, he has only suffered two defeats since his boxing bow in 2014, with both losses being back-to-back in 2017.

And he hopes he’ll be able to bring the belt back to Bucks in October.

He continued: “I hope that my home county will offer strong support for my imminent bout as I’m hard-working and striving to do great things in professional boxing to put Buckinghamshire firmly on the boxing map.

“This is also my first 12-rounder.

“It’s what every boxer wants, what I’ve worked for since I started boxing training as a slightly chubby boy of nine.

“Five of my professional fights have been 10-rounders but the 12- round fight is the ultimate. Those last two rounds will test both of us.

“It’s a long fight and there’s no denying it’s dangerous exchanging powerful, repeated punches for up to 36 minutes.

“That’s why I intend to get a stoppage, but not before I’ve shown everyone the boxing skills I possess.”

New potential sponsors can contact me at Henry Turner on Facebook or @henryturner123 on Instagram or e- mail henryturnerboxing@gmail.com