Young fighters arrange first fights of crucial year

Boxers Matthew Mallin and Ben Wager both have new dates to work towards as they bid to make an impact in the professional ranks in 2012.

The 21-year-olds, who both turned professional last year after working together at Hoyle Mill ABC, will fight on the same night in different locations.

Lightweight Wager from Monk Bretton will be closer to home as he fights in the away corner at Don Valley Stadium against Sheffielder Kyle Winters on Friday, February 24. Wager lost his first fight as a professional but won his last bout in quick-fire style with a knockout in the opening round.

Stairfoot light-middleweight Mallin will be part of his promoter Carl Greaves’ show in Grimsby. He will take on Andy Hardy from Nottinghamshire over four three-minute rounds

Two other Barnsley fighters with dates penciled in are Cudworth-based Andy Townend and Darfield’s Robbie Barrett who will turn professional in the lightweight division at the Doncaster Dome on March 2.