By Paul Webb
CALLUM Latimer is the latest off the Shoe-Box gym production line to turn professional, and his debut will come on July 19th on BCB Promotions ‘Summer Showdown’ at the Dudley Town Hall.
The 20-year-old from Corby has been passionate about the sport since childhood. Following a steady amateur background, he will be hoping to make a strong start to life in the paid ranks.
“I’m buzzing to get in there; it’s hard to explain how much I’m looking forward to it,” said Latimer.
“There are a few nerves, of course, but I have been training hard for this, and it is all I have ever wanted to do. I told my mom I wanted to box when I was four years old, but she said I had to wait till I was seven before I could start. I remember counting the days down, knowing that on my birthday, I would be able to box.
“I started out at Kettering and then moved on to Burton Park ABC boxing as a teenager. My amateur career was good; I made it to a few semi-finals but couldn’t quite get over the line and make it to the finals of competitions. I think my style is far more suited to the pros than the amateurs.”
Northampton boxing is in a very strong place, with the Shoe-Box gym leading the way. Last Saturday, one of the gym’s best, Ben Vaughan, demolished Dom Hunt inside a round in their British Title eliminator, and the feel-good factor definitely inspired Latimer.
“When I turned sixteen, I started to really take the sport seriously and moved to the Shoe-Box gym in Northampton. I didn’t want to do the normal things people my age did; I wanted to be different from everyone else.
“My first proper training camp has been great, and I feel like with all the experience in the gym around me, there is always something to learn.
“Being from Corby, it’s a bit of a distance to Dudley for my supporters to come, but I don’t mind where it is as long as I get to make my debut, and I know there will still be people making the journey up to see me, and I appreciate everyone that does.”
Ben Collins will headline the show, which will also feature an unbeaten trio of prospects: Conor Baker, Jasmin Harmitt, and Jamie Edwards.
