Ricky Summers fighting for mum's memory
Tipton's Ricky Summers today vowed to dedicate his comeback fight at Wolverhampton Civic Hall to his mother after she passed away earlier this year.
Shirley Summers, 62, lost her life to leukemia in March after previously battling breast cancer, just weeks after Ricky competed in his second pro fight at the Civic.
The 25-year-old then took a much-needed short break from boxing but over-indulged in food and alcohol, as he struggled to come to terms with losing a parent.
But the former senior ABA Midlands champion and national semi-finalist was enticed back into the gym, the home of Priory Park Amateur Boxing Club, and booked to box.
A fight date and a proper training camp under coach Paul Gough has given Summers a welcome distraction and got his mind focused on Saturday's fight night at the Civic.
He said: "This fight is for my mum, I am going to do her proud and boxing has helped me to come to terms with what has happened.
"I hit a really bad patch after that and I went up to 14-and-a-half stone, I was comfort eating and drinking to help with my grief.
"My trainer, Paul Gough, got me back in the gym and got me a fight and it's took my mind off it."
To his credit, Summers continued to train while his mother was ill and feels he has never been able to truly dedicate himself to the sport since turning pro last June.
Nonetheless, he has an undefeated two-fight paid record and plans to drop to super middleweight, after shedding nearly two stone for Saturday's light heavy contest, set at 12st 10lb.
James Tucker could yet be preferred to Tony Shields as an opponent but Summers is aiming to bamboozle whoever is in the other corner with swift attacks.
He said: "Since I have turned pro, I have had nothing but bad luck, I haven't been able to take it seriously like I did as an amateur.
"Through training camps, I have always had setbacks, but I am feeling good and strong this time as I have had good preparation.
"I have got back to my boxing and I am feeling sharp, I have got fast hands and I plan to use my speed on the night."
For more information and tickets, call the Civic box office on 0870 320 7000 or promoter Paul 'PJ' Rowson on 07976 283 157
