Debutant Marriott happy to swap hoops for the ring

DAN MARRIOTT is swapping lay-ups and dunks for jabs and uppercuts. The 19-year-old apprentice plasterer is a regular in the island under-21 basketball team.

But at tomorrow's Dinner Boxing Show at St Pierre Park Hotel, he is making his debut in the ring as Guernsey take on Yorkshire Select.

At 6ft 3in. tall, the heavyweight will undoubtedly cut a striking figure as he steps through the ropes.

'I'm excited and apprehensive,' he said.

'I'm not nervous at the moment, but I'm sure I'll get nervous.'

Mazza, as he is better known, started boxing six months ago as his friends Matt Sawbridge, who also plays basketball, and Callum Pearson are boxers too.

He took it up for the notoriously rigorous training programme that comes with the sport.

'I'm finding it really good,' he said.

'My fitness has improved a lot - training is hard. Everything about my boxing has improved.

'It's a good group of lads as well, which helps because they always help with whatever I'm stuck on.'

As part of his training, Marriott has been sparring with the island's number one boxer, cruiserweight Matt Jennings, and his friend, Pearson, who is an established light-heavyweight.

Both certainly know how to pack a punch.

'They've taken it easy on me because obviously they could have me how they want me,' said Marriott.

'They've really helped me.'

On the basketball court this season, Marriott has been a solid performer for the Island U-21s in the Yorkshire Guernsey Men's Division One and for Collins Stewart Inferno.

The forward also attended Saturday's senior island men's trials.

And a few in the know are suggesting that Guernsey coach Jeff Stuart could name him in his squad.

Marriott has found that basketball has aided him in his new venture.

'My size and reach help as well.'

In his first competitive bout, Marriott is taking on L. Thompson.

'I know he's 88kg and I'm a couple of kilos heavier at 90kg,' said Marriott.

'I'm not sure if he's had bouts before. He might have had one but he's a beginner like me.'

Guilbert has been impressed with Marriott's development and says his new fighter is ready for tomorrow.

'For a novice he is really, really good,' said Guilbert.

'He moves well for a big lad. He looks smooth when he moves.

'He's got a good jab, good reach, quick hands and a good right hand. He's been sparring with Jennings and Pearson so he's been getting hit.

'He'll be a bit nervous on the night, but he'll be all right.'