A DENBIGHSHIRE boxer is all set for the biggest fight of his career.
Sion Yaxley, from Pwllglas, faces his toughest challenge yet when he faces the experienced Kieran Gething in Abergavenny on Wednesday, April 6 in his first 10-round bout.
The undefeated Yaxley is himself is no novice having won all 12 of his bouts to date, including two eight-rounders and two stoppages since turning professional under Chris Sanigar in late 2018.
"This major fight is a tremendous opportunity for me both personally and to put North Wales boxing on the map," said Yaxley ahead of his trip south.
"I’m keen to perform well, show everyone exactly what I am capable of and prove that I’m a fan friendly fighter.
"I go into the ring and enjoy what I’m doing which makes for a good watch."
READ MORE: Talented Yaxley eases to comfortable points win
Yaxley started boxing at 13 years of age and he added: "My friends and I always wanted to give it a try, but when the night came to go to the local boxing gym, they all bottled it and I went alone - and the rest is history!
I went on to have 60 amateur fights and won about 40 including Welsh national titles and ending up boxing for Wales in tournaments across Europe, winning a silver medal at the Tammer Tournament, Finland."
Since 2021, Yaxley has been managed by Kieran Farrell and he stressed: "I am fortunate and privileged to have Boxing Hall of Fame, Joe Gallagher, as my coach.
"I’m inspired by world champion boxers at the gym and I hope to one day soon to be picking up belts of my own."
Super welterweight Yaxley, 26, hasn’t yet reached the stage where he can make his living exclusively from boxingt, but he works with a friend as a personal trainer in Ruthin.
He also runs boxing classes for children between the ages of six and 15.
"I’m thrilled about being able to encourage children and young people to develop their boxing as there was nothing really similar for me as a child," he said.
"I also enjoy going into schools to demonstrate what boxing is about.
"I always encourage keen youngsters to train hard and be dedicated to it because talent never beats hard work.
"Over the years, I’ve learnt lots by having the best sparring opportunities and good advice from all coaches I’ve known."
Local sponsorship has allowed Yaxley to progress as a professional boxer.
Supporting the talented boxer are Shorecliffe; Cheval Liberte; G J Teeson Groundworks Limited; Crime Prevention Services; Thornley Leisure; Atebol; Emyr Evans; 147 Sportsbar & Nightclub; Edwards Roofing; CMW Limited; The Feathers; RNW & Automo (Automotive Logistics); Meirion Howatson Plant Training Services; S R Heating & Plumbing; Barry Evans Plastering; Optomised Wellbeing and Dynamic Fitness.
In his limited free time Yaxley, who attended Ruthin’s Ysgol Brynhyfryd and then Coleg Llandrillo, loves spending time with his young daughter Emmi, either at home or on day trips.
"She gives me the incentive to succeed," he said, "but football is my other major interest.
"I’m a season ticket holder at Wrexham AFC and I am there at the Tech End every home match and enjoy the buzz of travelling on away days.
"My dream would be to have a bout on the Racecourse itself."
Yaxley’s last bout turned out to be an exhibition fight, so there was no declared winner.
"I boxed really well against a better opponent than the originally billed boxer," he added.
"But, for now, I’m taking each fight as it comes with the full support of my home town and the whole of North Wales – who knows how far I can go.
"My message to boxers above me in the rankings for my division is that I'm coming for you.
"I've no fear of anyone. I can and I will knock each one of you out in a painful punishing lesson that will let others know what to expect.
"So be warned!"
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