Rising star Kirk batters Bulgarian for best win of career

Jubilant boxer Nathan Kirk celebrates after winning the International Challenge Belt title.

The 27-year-old lightweight won an International Challenge Belt, knocking out dangerous Buglarian Ivailo Boyanov in the seventh round. And now Kirk is looking forward to having a shot at a Midlands or English title, starting with an eliminator in the coming months.

“This should really open doors for him,” said his manager, Scott Calow, who runs Huthwaite Boxing Gym, where Kirk trains. “The International Challenge Belt is for fighters from all over the world, and it was a really hard contest for Nathan.

“But he is improving with every fight and really developing the power. Now we will have to sit down and see what’s out there for him. We’ll talk to other promoters and decide on the next step for him.”

Kirk, who hails from Nottingham, grew up as a mixed martial arts fighter, specialising in kickboxing and Thaiboxing, winning 51 of 65 fights. But he had to give up because of injuries and only switched to the boxing ring while training at a gym in Bulwell. His talent was quickly recognised and he soon linked up with Calow.

“I was reluctant at first,” Kirk admits. “But Scott took me under his wing and things have really taken off.”

Usually roared on by an army of up to 100 fans, Kirk is now in his third competitive year as a pro and has won nine of his 11 pro fights.

The eight-round clash with Boyanov at Bingham Leisure Centre was one of the toughest, though, as the Bulgarian came flying out of his corner, determined to demolish Kirk in the early stages.

“He was like a man possessed in the first three rounds, wanting to finish the fight early,” said Kirk. “But we had a game plan, and it worked a treat.

“Scott told me to just use single shots and box behind the jab. But then as the fight went on and my superior fitness told, I was to turn up the volume and intensity of my punches.

“I put Boyanov on the canvas with a right uppercut in the fourth round and then had him down three times in the seventh round with body shots. I was so chuffed to win. It was a huge relief.”