By Andrew Wake: Unbeaten Huddersfield prospect is happy that one of his friends is going on a diet.
The 22-year-old will attempt to scoop £32,000 and the coveted Prizefighter trophy in Wolverhampton this Saturday night, but it’s only happening because one of his stable mates has decided to shed a few more pounds.
“I never got mentioned for this chance originally. They wanted Patrick Liam Walsh in it, but having sorted himself a sponsor he’s decided that he’s going to go down to lightweight so that’s opened it up for me to go in,” Nurse explained.
“This is the sort of thing I’ve been waiting for ages. I need a challenge and winning Prizefighter puts you that mix for titles.”
Nurse is known for his flashy and loose style, indeed one journalist once said that the Yorkshireman is relaxed in the ring that he can box with one hand and type a text message with the other.
But is that a style something which will work well in the three-three minute rounds format?
“Prizefighter has turned a few tricks for people and it has suited fighters you wouldn’t have thought it would have,” Nurse, 20 – 0 (3 KOs), said.
“I think three-threes is perfect for me to be honest. If I can get off to a quick start, which I usually do, then I’m pretty confidence.
“More than anything I’m excited. It’s a top quality line up and could be the best yet. You’ve got Dale Miles, who is a big punching southpaw, you’ve got Adil who is awkward, John Watson is sharp and coming up in weight and Dean Harrison has been around the block.”
Like most boxers going into this weekend’s one night, last man standing tournament, future opportunities at British title level are a bigger motivation than the £32,000 on offer.
However, Nurse does admit that the money would be life changing to both himself and long-term girlfriend Leah Devlin.
“Leah would like a ring and I owe her a holiday which we planned for the end of January but had to forget about because this came up. We can have a couple of weeks away and then start saving for a house.
“But I can’t think about spending the money too much yet because I’ve not won it and it’s the challenge that gets me more than the money. I want to get in there and fight some proper fighters.”
