Appearing on the same card for the first time as professional boxers, Nottinghamshire brothers Chad and Regis Sugden both stormed to victory at the Harvey Hadden Stadium on Saturday 12 October.

Leading the way for Suggy’s Gym, 24-year old Welterweight Regis added a third win to his unbeaten record when he stopped Luke Middleton by TKO in round three on the bill of ACID TEST.

Then later on his elder brother Chad brought the evening to a close with the Main Event, an epic Light Heavyweight eight-rounder against Holland’s Farouk Daku which ended in a unanimous points win for the Newark boxer.

“Once again an army of family, friends and fans turned out to raise the roof for us,” said Suggy’s Gym head coach Dean Sugden.

“Without them and our sponsors, we couldn’t make these nights happen and their continued support was well and truly rewarded by the show put on by their two local heroes tonight.

“Both Chad and Regis gave performances that can only be described as top class, clinical and at another level. They stole the show and proved they have a very bright future in the boxing world – at Light Heavyweight and Welterweight, the Sugden boys are ready to take over.”

Speaking after his hand was raised, Regis said: “All the sparring I did in the run up to this one, with Kieron Conway, my brothers Chad and Bailey and other partners, paid dividends tonight. I went into the bout feeling strong and confident and, although I trained for six rounds, there was no way he was getting that far.

“There’s already talk of a major show before the end of the year at Newark Showground, the venue where my dad fought for and won a World title back in 2005. It would be great to box for a Midlands title too but, whatever’s on the cards for me, I can’t wait to do it all again and until I do I’ll keep working away and challenging myself in the gym.”

Echoing his father’s thanks to their supporters and sponsors, Chad added: “Farouk was tricky but he felt my power early on so he didn’t want to play. When he did I punished him and I’m absolutely delighted to get another eight rounds in the bag.

“Now I’ve got my sights on boxing for an English or a British title in the very near future – let’s hope someone out there fancies it.”

Summing up his sons’ work in the ring, Dean added: “Chad’s performance against an international opponent with a record of 21 wins, nine of the them by KO, was an absolute masterclass and there’ll be more than a few Light Heavyweights and Super Middleweights out there shaking in their shoes. Now we have Scott Robinson on board as full-time nutritionist, we all feel confident Chad could box at either of the two weights.

“His movement and punch selection were world class, he won every round against a dangerous opponent who came to win and he looked like a million dollars in the process.

“As for Regis, as soon as he started hitting the pads there was no doubt in my mind that he was going to stop Luke, a tough and durable fighter who’d never been wobbled, let alone stopped before.

“Regis made a real statement out there, letting everyone know he’s back to his exciting and explosive best and winning more fans over and above the 250-plus who travelled to Nottingham to witness the result of his and Chad’s hard work, dedication and first class training.”

Regis has now been offered another fight by local promoter Matt Scriven, who witnessed his explosive performance last Saturday and said: “I am delighted to add a boxer of Regis’s quality to my own show at Mansfield Civic Centre on Saturday 26 October.”

Photos by Dan Kelly, DKO Action Imagery