Thanksgiving test for Tinker – Former St Francis amateur backs former UFC fighter to give him rounds

Matthew Tinker [4(4)-0] is expecting rounds at the very least when he returns to the ring tomorrow night.

The former National Elite Championship finalist hasn’t been brought past round 2 since turning over in late 2019.

The 29-year-old believes that might change as he trades leather against a former UFC campaigner in American tomorrow.

Leandro Silva [2(2)-3-(0)] provides the opposition at the Castleton Banquet and Conference Center in Windham, New Hampshire on the third-annual Thanksgiving Eve Boxing Spectacular.

Not only has the Brazilian yet to be stopped in the squared circle, but the 35-year-old also has 30 plus MMA fights to his name and spent three years on the UFC roster boasting a 3-3 and one no contest record.

Tinker believes that level of combat experience may ensure he is brought to the later stages of the clash, indeed he might hear the final bell for the first time since fighting for pay.

I don’t know too much about him really,” Tinker told the Scarborough News.

“He had a load of fights in the UFC and in boxing he has a few

“It will be a tough fight, the guy has never been stopped and has a lot of combat experience, so I should get some rounds.”

A win tomorrow will effectively bring a debut 12 months to a successful close for the English born fighter.

Impressively he has managed to secure five fights over that period regardless of the pandemic and has caught the eye with his stoppage ratio.

He did see a fight on Michael Conlan’s annual New York trip cancelled along with the whole card, but has no complaints.

“I’m just happy to get a few fights in these times,” he added.

“When gyms were closed we trained in parks. I get tested regularly and follow all Covid guidelines.

“We have found a way to keep moving forward. I was lucky to get to know Peter Czymbor and Boston Boxing Promotions as they have put shows on behind closed doors,” he added before expressing gratitude to St Francis and the support he gives.

“I boxed for St Francis in Limerick, it’s a great club and they improved me a lot.

“They continue to help and support me now which I really appreciate.”