‘Three fights away from putting Barnard Castle on the map’

A talented fighter says he’s only two or three victories from putting Barnard Castle Amateur Boxing Club on the map.

Nathan Forrest is unbeaten since turning professional four years ago and he’s looking to extend that run of wins to 13 next month.

He’s scheduled to fight Reece Mould, of Doncaster in a televised lightweight English title eliminator at Connexin Live, in Hull, on November 20.

The 27-year-old, of Cockfield believes he’s close to emulating another up-and-coming boxer, Josh Padley, who will box for the WBA world interim super featherweight title in December.

Nathan, who sparred with Padley recently, is now managed by former Premier League footballer turned boxer Curtis Woodhouse, who is the founder of 3165 Management.

He said: “Curtis played for Sheffield United and then he packed in football in his early 20s and turned professional in boxing and won English and British titles.

“Now he’s training and managing lads and he’s looking after me and promoting me in Hull.

“I’ve boxed on two shows down there already this year and I’m going to be headlining on November 20.

“I’ve had 12 fights as a pro and the majority have been on small hall shows, not televised, not in big arenas.

“But two this year and my next fight are in an arena.

“I’m trying to break onto the domestic scene where I will be fighting for titles,” he added.

“My career goal at the moment is to win a British title and I think I’m only two or three fights away from putting Barnard Castle ABC on the map.

“Hopefully I can win this next fight, go on to win the English title and then box for the British title.”

While he’s technically professional, Nathan still needs to earn a living and earlier this year the qualified mechanic opened his own business, Forrest Motorworks, based at Hilton, near Evenwood Gate.

Nathan and his wife Charlotte have a ten-month-old son called Hudson so he has to fit his training schedule around the demands of his garage and his young family.

But if his boxing career continues to thrive, he’ll be able to commit more time to training and bring in extra staff to run his business on a day-to-day basis.

A lot of Nathan’s training takes place at Barnard Castle Amateur Boxing Club in Stainton Grove, where he’s coached by Craig Harrison.

“I owe a lot to Craig, he’s been unbelievable,” Nathan said.

“It’s one of the best gyms in the region, quality wise, and I’ve boxed here since I was 15.

“It’s not the biggest gym but we have quality fighters and great coaching.

“It’s a fantastic asset for the community.”