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John Ibbotson
John Ibbotson | John Ibbotson |
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Undefeated Light Heavyweight Prospect Billed: Sheffield Height: 6ft 3inches Weight: 12stone 7lbs(estimate) Trainer: Richard Poxon Professional Record - W 10 (4 ko's) | L 1 | D 1 | Hot prospect Ibbotson certainly lived up to his new ring name 'the Steel City Assassin' when he clinically took out Rob Burton in two devastating rounds in Sheffield in October. The 24-year-old had to settle for a six round draw when he last faced Burton in June, blaming poor decisions in making weight for his uncharacteristically listless performance.  Anxious to set the record straight, Ibbotson begged promoter Dennis Hobson to get the return. He explained: "I wasn't myself in the first fight. I was so weak I was embarrassed about it. I totally messed up my last few weeks of training but it was a harsh lesson I had to learn. I'm just so happy I've got the chance to set the record straight and show everyone that I'm leagues above what I performed in June." And how he did that. Ibbotson bullied his rival from the opening bell, shelling Burton from mid-range until landing a devastating left hook in the second round which left Burton in a heap. "I promised everyone it wouldn't get three rounds," the Assassin said afterwards. "Even my parents were telling me to box him and to watch out but I know I'll become world class and that, when I am fit, I am way above this level. I am taking my weight making very seriously now and there's no-one in the division I am afraid of." The young hotshot has enlisted the help of fitness and nutrition guru Kerry Kayes, the man behind Ricky Hatton's phenomenal fitness and energy levels, to help ensure he never enters the squared circle with low energy levels again. Ibbotson said: "Kerry has given me a diet and I've stuck to it to the letter. I've also been working with weights and I feel very powerful, I feel great, and I can actually see the difference in my body." Promoter Dennis Hobson has high hopes for the box-puncher, even comparing Ibbotson to a young Clinton Woods. Of course, Sheffield's reigning World Light Heavyweight Champion Woods had to overcome all sort of adversity before he established himself as the world's best fighter at 12stone 7lbs (175lbs). However, scratching out his one career blemish thus far was a test of character and you have to stay a test Ibbo passed with flying colours. |