By Ed Hoyle: Over the past five years, Britain has produced an unprecedented nucleus of raw talented boxers. The current up and coming stable of fighters seemingly destined to one day grace the American canvas; Carl Frampton , David Price and Billy Joe Saunders have understandably stolen the limelight on the back of their amateur pedigree and explosive starts to their respective professional crusades. However, there are some fighters that occasionally slip under the promoter’s and therefore fan’s radar – meet Mark Coombs.
Schooled in Portsmouth as an amateur, Coombs’ excelled to amass an exceptional amateur record, which included winning the boxer-of-the-tournament award in the prestigious Haringey Box Cup 2010. With launch pad provided, Coombs went pro and was immediately signed by MHM (Michael Helliet Management) and began training out of the Ballingall Gym.
Since then, the 27 year old light-middleweight has gone from strength to strength; his biggest assets being his sharp boxing mind and hand speed, which typically allow him to easily out-wit and out-box his opponents. Coombs won a points decision in his most recent outing against a game but limited Kevin McCauley. To date his record stands at 8-0-0 (1).
The only visible flaw to Coombs’ record is a lack of stoppages. Undoubtedly a by-product of his amateur background, the Hampshire resident appears to still be in a boxing transition, with the arrival of top class power still being waited upon. Naturally, it’s still a work in progress.
Never the less, the general consensus within the boxing community is that Coombs definitely possess the necessary arsenal to launch a legitimate assault on the middle-weight division. Already ranked 32 in Britain, providing he keeps up his unbeaten streak, it’s only a matter of time before he fights for domestic honours.
One final thought – Coombs’ suitability to compete in a prize fighter tournament – unbeaten and talented, the format would perfectly provide much needed exposure and potentially a launch pad to greater things.
Definitely one to watch.
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