Braintree boxer Jeff Temperley believes his new manager could hold the key to him making it in the professional game.
Because he is 34, heavyweight Temperley only has a slim chance of claiming a British Boxing Board of Control licence.
He is currently operating in the IBA - an unlicensed organisation - but thinks having pal Scott Welch as his boss will boost his bid to join the paid ranks.
Welch is a former British and Commonwealth professional heavyweight champion and once challenged Lennox Lewis-victim Henry Akinwande for the WBO title.
And he also starred as a bare-knuckle fighter in the 2000 hit film Snatch alongside Brad Pitt.
Temperley said: "I've been told that the Board don't even recognise unlicensed boxing when it comes to looking at a boxer's past experience.
"I know that, and my age, counts against me, but I'm sure having someone well-respected like Scott as my manager will help me."
More in today's Evening Gazette
Published Thursday, February 3, 2005
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