A teenage boxer from Stoke is aiming for a career filled with titles and championships after a successful professional debut. Featherweight Armie Litherland secured a points victory over Worcestershire's Michael Mooney at a show held at Stoke City Football Ground.
Armie, who turns 20 in September, expressed his delight: "I'm delighted to have got the win and scored full points while still a teenager. I felt confident given all the training as I walked out to the tune of Freed from Desire. I gave a punch-perfect performance. I was fast and sharp from the opening bell and didn't really get hit while all the time landing clean and decisive shots to my opponent's body."
He added: "Like I said, I controlled my nerves by telling myself just how hard I'd trained. A boxer only makes a professional debut once, so I was determined to enjoy it and entertain the many people who'd bought tickets to the show."
A former student of Chesterton Community Sports College, Armie lives in Stoke with his parents and works in a business preparing healthy meals. He also serves as a boxing coach. Reflecting on his journey, he said: "I started boxing aged nine as I wanted to test myself. My great grandad is also remembered as a boxer. I became an elite amateur boxer, picking up numerous titles in all different ages and weights."
Armie has international experience: "I always enjoyed visiting other countries for tournaments and experiencing different boxing styles and national cultures. I once attended a competition where I boxed several times over two days and defeated the fighter who was third best in the country and then went on to defeat a European silver medallist in the final."
He explained his move to professional ranks: "I've joined the paid ranks now because I've exhausted what the amateur sport has to offer and I'm keen to get on and work to win area titles while still young. I train at Bluestone Boxing and my coach Joe Eccleston thinks this ambition is achievable. He congratulated me after the bout, saying my performance was impressive and mature, so we should both be excited for future success."
Armie is determined: "I'm determined. I listen to instructions and then look for how to put new techniques into practice. I can be quite a loud person, some might say a bit cocky, but the truth is I believe in myself. I trust that people see me as an honest local lad aiming for the top as he puts his city's boxing firmly on the map."
He will soon return to intensive training for his second bout, also organized by manager Pat Barrett's Black Flash Promotions, scheduled for May 30 at Manchester's Bowler's Exhibition Centre.
Armie is grateful for sponsorship from local companies: "So many thanks to Zaam Wholesale, Fast Nutrition Meal Prep, Black Opal Tattoo, City Locks and Redouble Digital." Further potential sponsors can contact Armie via Instagram @armielitherland or email armielitherland@gmail.com. Bluestone Boxing can be contacted via Instagram @bluestone_boxing and is located at Regent Works, Longton, ST3 1LZ.
