Heavyweight Tommy Welch is aiming to follow in his father’s footsteps when he turns pro on the undercard of the Sam Eggington vs Ashley Theophane clash in Redditch on Friday night.
Back in the 1990s, Scott Welch forged a creditable career that culminated in British and Commonwealth crowns and a WBO title challenge against Henry Akinwande before his retirement in 1999.
The younger Welch, 25, will turn pro with his father in the corner as he begins his heavyweight odyssey with a four-rounder against West Bromwich’s Matt Gordon. As an amateur, Welch Jr. won four National titles, the Junior ABAs, a trio of Three Nations titles, two NABCs and the Haringey Box Cup. Now he is primed for professional business.
Photo: Hennessy Sports.
“I can’t wait to finally do this on Friday,” said Tommy. “It has been a lifetime dream to go professional and of course become a champion like my father. The first things I put on were a pair of boxing gloves before a pair of shoes so that was a sign I knew I’d follow in my dad’s footsteps into boxing.
“Of course, there are going to be comparisons between me and my dad and what he’s achieved. If I can achieve half of what he’s done then I’d be a proud man, but I’m in this sport to be the best I can be so I’m aiming for the British title and beyond and if I can go that one step further and win the world title then I’ve done great.”
Champion father Scott added: “I’m mighty proud of Tommy for getting in the ring, he needs to be his own man and do his own thing now, but I’ll always be there one hundred percent for him.
“I know how hard this sport is and I’ve given him the best advice and support to steer him, but he’ll experience this along the way for himself.
“He’s been around the sport all his life and travelled with me and he’s met all the greats like Lennox Lewis, Evander Holyfield, Larry Holmes, George Foreman, who’ve all given him words of advice.
“He’s got himself into incredible shape with the help of Ben Pringle, who’s part of our team, and I’ve never seen him so focused and determined so I can’t wait to see him get on his first step on the pro ladder.
“He’s got all my attributes, but I believe he’ll be better. I’ve always believed he’s something special now it’s down to him to achieve.”
Eggington vs Theophane will be broadcast live on Channel 5 in the UK on Friday.
Main image: Tommy and Scott Welch. Photo: Hennessy Sports.