Calne's Connor Gray will headline a big night of professional boxing in Swindon next weekend when he takes on Arnie Dawson in a 10-round English title eliminator.
The 11-fight card, promoted by Neilson Boxing, takes place at MECA on Saturday 19th September, bringing together established fighters and emerging talent from across Wiltshire and the surrounding area.
Liam Lathbury, Connor Gray and Mark Neilson
For Gray, the bout represents an important opportunity to move another step closer to an English title challenge.
The Calne southpaw has built an impressive 17-1-1 professional record and has progressed from prospect to contender during his career. He is also a familiar face at MECA, having fought 12 of his 19 professional contests at the venue, including a Commonwealth Title challenge in Swindon in 2024.
Now he returns to the venue for what could be another significant night in his career.
Gray's fight against Dawson will be contested over 10 rounds for a place in contention for the English Super Lightweight title.
There is plenty more local interest on the card, with Swindon's Jensen Irving returning to fight in front of his hometown supporters.
One of the most anticipated moments of the evening will come when Klayson Young makes his professional debut against Jacob Marrer.
Young is the son of former Swindon champion Kelvin “Young Gun” Young, who enjoyed a 28-fight professional career, compiling an 18-8-2 record and becoming a two-time Southern Area champion and IBO Inter-Continental champion.
Kelvin won and defended the Southern Area title in front of his home supporters before going on to claim IBO Inter-Continental honours.
Now his son will begin his own professional journey in the same town where his father's career produced some of its biggest nights.
The event also continues the boxing tradition of the Neilson family, with Neilson Boxing founded by former local professional boxer Eddie Neilson.
Eddie's son Mark Neilson has continued the family involvement in boxing as a promoter and manager, having spent more than a decade staging professional shows and developing fighters.
The next generation is now involved too, with Eddie's grandson and Mark's nephew, Kyle Neilson, working alongside him.
Mark Neilson said: “There is a real sense of Swindon and Wiltshire boxing history around this show.
“My dad Eddie started the Neilson name in boxing here, I've been fortunate enough to continue that journey as a promoter and manager, and now Kyle, Dad's grandson and my nephew, is part of what we're building.
“Then you have Klayson making his professional debut. I remember Kelvin's career and the big nights he had as a champion, so seeing his son starting his own professional journey at MECA is a great story for Swindon boxing.
“We've also got Jensen Irving representing Swindon and Connor Gray from Calne headlining in an English title eliminator. Connor has come a long way since we first put him on our shows, and this is a really important fight for him.”
The remainder of the 11-fight card features Antonio Soares against Kasey Brandum, undefeated Cheltenham fighter Louis Bacon, Gloucester's Shaq Marks, Charlie Ryder against Stefan Vincent, McKenzie Hand against Cesar Ignacia Parades, Kiall Goodhall against Artem Pugach and debutant Amelia Barker against the experienced Kerry Orton.
Jordan DiCarluccio is also scheduled to compete in a six-round Light Heavyweight contest, with his opponent still to be confirmed.
Neilson Boxing has staged professional events across the UK for more than a decade, developing fighters who have gone on to compete for and win Area, English, British, Commonwealth and IBO World honours.
And on Saturday 19th September, the focus returns to Swindon and Wiltshire for another packed night of professional boxing, with Calne's Connor Gray leading the bill.
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