‘Forgive me Delilah – but we’ve still got a job to do’
Nathan Heaney has vowed to carry on boxing(Image: Getty Images)
Boxer Nathan Heaney has urged fans to ‘bring the noise’ as he prepares for his homecoming show tonight. The 36-year-old will step out at the sold-out King’s Hall this evening (July 26) where he will take on Southern Area champion Grant Dennis.
And the popular Stoke City fan – renowned for his deafening entrances to Tom Jones’ Delilah – has urged fans ‘for at least one more night’ to create a ‘bear pit’. It will represent the 22nd bout of The Hitman’s boxing career to date.
After back-to-back wars with Brad Pauls, which saw Heaney lose his British title in the rematch, he was given a comeback fight against France’s Sofiane Khati in February. Despite making a strong start, ultimately it didn’t go to plan, with Heaney being stopped in the seventh round.
There had been concerns the Meir-born fighter would hang up his gloves after telling his army of fans he would need to ‘think of my next step’. But he appeared on TalkSport back in February and told Jeff Stelling he would be carrying on.
Nathan Heaney at the bet365 for a recent charity football match
Now Nathan is all set for a homecoming bout – five years after stepping out at the King’s Hall. BCB Promotions ‘Forgive Me Delilah’ at the same Stoke venue. Nathan, who recently became an Honorary Doctor at University of Staffordshire, wrote on his Facebook page: “Before I lace my professional fighting gloves for the 22nd time, I want to thank you all for your support, that no matter what, has never faded and is as strong as it has ever been. I’m a very lucky man.
“The nights we have had over the years have been absolutely incredible and I know this will be the best one yet! We’re coming home.
“Bring your noise, your flags, your shirts, your passion and I’ll do the rest. For at least one more night, let’s make it a bear pit!
Boxer Nathan Heaney has been added to Stoke-on-Trent’s Sporting Hall of Fame
“Have a great night guys and I’ll see you all soon. Forgive me Delilah, but we’ve still got a job to do.”
Doors will open at 5.30pm for VIPs and 6pm for standard tickets. Seats are also unreserved.
The first bout is 7pm and Nathan says he could ‘walkout anytime’ from 9pm onwards.
The undercard sees a potential classic for the English Welterweight Title between Ben Vaughan and Bobby Dalton; unbeaten trio Ollie Cooper, Lewis Lawton and Levi Vaughan are all in action along with Connor Parker and Shauna Browne. All tickets have sold out, but you can join the waiting list for any returns by emailing info@bcb-promotions.com. The fight will be streamed live on BCB’s YouTube Channel.
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