Van-Gelder out to fly the flag for Redditch

Jay Van-Gelder with Anthony Manning. He promises fireworks

JAY Van-Gelder – a big puncher with a big following – has issued a rallying cry to his hometown of Redditch as the countdown begins to his debut.

He evidently loves the place.

The featherweight, who takes his bow on manager Anthony Manning’s Eastside Rooms, Birmingham, show on May 31, looks an explosive addition to the professional ranks. He’s a boxer at the lighter weights who carries lights out power.

And Van-Gelder – the surname comes courtesy of a distant Dutch relative – aims to be a punching PR man for Redditch.

“I want to put Redditch on the map,” he said, “I want to build the profile of the place. I want as many people as possible from the town to turn-up and make some noise.”

As an amateur with the town’s Studio ABC, the 21-year-old compiled a boxing CV that suggest he can make waves, the honours including national titles at junior and youth level.

He said: “I owe a lot to (Studio ABC coach) Gary Blower. I wouldn’t be where I am if not for him. There were times when I wanted to quit, but he kept me going.”

As a pro, he intends to detonate dynamite from the get-go. And for his debut, he predicts he’ll do it in front of over 200 Redditch fans. That’s a lot of tickets sold.

Van-Gelder makes his debut at the Eastside Rooms, Birmingham

A building site worker by day, Jay said: “I have a good support system through my family and friends.

“I’m looking to land in devastating fashion. I’m not going in there to play – the play was in the amateurs. Before, boxing was a hobby, now it’s an occupation.

“The only thing I’m looking at is my debut. I don’t want to talk about titles, it’s one step at a time. When you think ahead of the game, that’s when you make mistakes.

“I’ll be nervous on the night – I’m always nervous – because it means so much to me. You only get one debut, but I’m looking forward to the fight. Eight weeks out and I’m ready to go, I’m ready to go next week.

“I’m working with best strength and conditioning coaches at Athena Performance and best physio - Georgia Mond from AG Sports Therapy. There’s also my boxing coach Anthony Manning - they are all playing a massive role in this camp and I want to thank them publicly.”

Van Gelder makes his fighting start in Birmingham city centre. But he promises you’ll hear the rumble in Redditch, 17 miles away.