Vaughan tipped to push Billy close

The welterweight contest will bring the curtain down on the 21-bout ‘February Fury’ show and the highly rated Vaughan from Kings Heath Gym in Northampton is someone to be highly respected, says Ben Duff, Le Poullain’s coach.

‘This is his second year as a senior but he has won numerous ABA titles at youth/junior level and represented England,’ said Duff.

‘This is a well matched bout and I’m expecting it to be closely contested. Both are very experienced boxers with over 60 bouts each and mostly wins,’ he added.

The show oozes some classy visiting performers with good connections.

Mike Crowley from Alderney is boxing Cassius Straughn, the son of former British Cruiserweight champion Andy Straughn.

The latter, who also challenged for the Commonwealth title and boxed former cruiserweight world champion Jonny Nelson, will be present at Beau Sejour.

‘It a pleasure to have Andy over,’ said head ABC coach Duff, who is keen to see how Mason Smale fares in his first 3x3 minute rounds bout without headguards.

Smale turned senior in January and this will be his first contest at open level.

Sam Masterman returns after nearly a year out and has moved up from welterweight to middleweight.

‘Sam is looking a lot maturer and composed in training,’ said Duff, who will also oversee Casey de la Mare (middleweight) and Chris Sumner (light-welter-weight) in their final bouts in preparation for the Elite ABA championships in March.

‘This is Casey’s first [Elite] championships and Chris’s first in three years, when he won the Western Counties in 2016.’

Another popular performer is Jimmy Lesbirel, whose Only Fools and Horses ring entrance is a must-see and is added entertainment for the action-packed night.

‘He walks to the ring in a Del-boy dressing gown, cigar and to a remix of Hooky Street, the Only Fools and Horses closing music,’ said Duff.