Fryers ecstatic to be returning to the fighting ‘pit’ Saturday

THE man who sports the gladiator style skirt is pumping with adrenaline and delighted to be back in ‘the pit’.

Lightweight James Fryes impressed with shut out wins in over experienced journey men Billy Smith and Kristian Laight in his opening bouts, but has fought only twice since making his debut in November 2012.

The Belfast fighter returns to the ring for the first time in over a year Saturday night and to say he is excited is an understatement.

“It is brilliant to be back. I can feel the adrenaline and excitement kicking in as each day goes by. I am really ecstatic to get by into the boxing pit,” Fryers told Irish-boxing.com.

“I don’t know why there has been a delay (since his last fight) truthfully I’ve been injury free. I just think John (Rooney his manager) might of been a wee bit busy with setting up the new gym,” he added.

He might not have had many rounds in the pro ring over the last 12 months, but Fryers has had some quality sparring ahead of his bout with Michael Mooney on the Hennessey Promotions show.

“Preparations for this fight have been going great I have been training hard and sparring hard with Nugget, Martin Lindsay and Paddy Gallagher, when working down in Rooney’s gym Belfast. I find it hard to get over to the Mac sometimes so I would ask Damien Denny to take me a few rounds in the pads and he has always said yes.”

That sparring has Fryers in shape, but despite being in confident and excited mood he isn’t willing to make a prediction.

“No predictions,” Fryes adds. “I have huge respect for every fighter I box and would not like to insult my opponent my predicting anything. But I do feel confident enough in my own ability to get the win and hopefully impress everybody watching and put on a good show.”

Fryers hopes victory on a card that also includes an Irish title fight between Peter McDonagh and John Hutchinson will lead to a busier 2014.

“I’m hoping to be a lot more busy this year, not going to get ahead of myself and say title this and 12 rounders that, but I would just like to build up my record and try to bump myself up a little but more.”