Boxing: Lincoln's Bobby Jenkinson to use mind over matter in debut bout

Bobby Jenkinson has promised to box clever as he looks to make the perfect start to his career tomorrow night.

The bantamweight will make his debut against Delroy Specer on the Valentine's Massacre bill at the Doncaster Dome, where city fighter Mitch Mitchell will also figure.

Jenkinson, who enjoyed a solid amateur career, says he cannot wait to make his debut in front of a large crowd.

But rather than go bombs blazing against his much-travelled opponent, he wants to ensure his first fight does not end in defeat, writes Leigh Curtis.

"I don't intend to go in there throwing massive shots, I'll be measured and work him out," he said.

"I've not watched any videos of him, but I feel prepared, I feel fit, I feel strong and am ready to do a job.

"He's fought many, many, times and I've no doubt he will be tough, but I expect to get past him.

"I'm really looking forward to it. I'm not nervous yet, but I'm sure on the night there will be a few nerves.

"But you expect that. I just want to go out and do a professional job."

Jenkinson will be backed by more than 60 supporters for the trip to Yorkshire having laid on mini-buses.

It is a terrific boost for the Bracebridge Boxing gym graduate and he fully appreciates it.

"I just want to thank everyone who had bought tickets and is coming to watch the fight," he said.

"Having good support means so much to me and I'm sure they will all have a good journey back to Lincoln.

"I would like to thank them both as well as my sponsors Read Hyundai, Lincoln Security, Martin Motor Company and Dent Devils.

"They have all got behind me and I'm really thankful to them it's a big help."

Jenkinson is still on the lookout for further sponsorship. If you can help, ring him on 07841 720421.

Meanwhile, Mitchell says he does not intend to waste any time in overcoming Luke Crowcroft so he can get his birthday celebrations under way.

The super middleweight turned 25 recently, but has been unable to celebrate because of his training schedule.

But he hopes to make up for it.

"I don't want to be hanging around too long," he said.

"The girlfriend and I are stopping in a hotel in Doncaster so I can finally celebrate my birthday.

"Hopefully I will be doing that on the back of a win.

"I feel really strong and confident after my last fight and I'm sure it will be a good night."

Meanwhile, a disappointed Luke Walker, who was supposed to feature on the same bill, has seen his fight with Robbie Barrett postponed.

Barrett, unbeaten in four fights, failed a brain scan instantly ruling him out of action.

Walker said he was frustrated at not being in action, but hoped Barrett was okay.

"It's disappointing, but at the end of the day it's his health we are talking about and that's more important than boxing," he said.

"I just hope Robbie is okay. Failing a brain scan will be a concern to him. Nobody wants to see that. I am just waiting to see who I will fight next."