HEAVYWEIGHT boxer Mathew Ellis, will fight for the first time in his hometown of Blackpool when he takes on Frenchman Yacine Kingbo at the Winter Gardens on Saturday, May 15.

Ellis, who turned 25 earlier this month, is fast emerging as the newest face on the British heavyweight scene.

With this being his 13th pro fight and having moved into the top ten ratings, Ellis will be looking for his first title fight soon.

Ellis has settled down since his career began in a blaze of publicity in 1996 when his ring entrances were made in an evening suit, accompanied by two glamorous models.

After four impressive wins, Ellis hit a bad patch in 1997 and was forced to ask himself some searching questions.

Having confronted the situation, Ellis went on to answer his critics in explosive style in 1998 starring with a storming stoppage inside half a minute of Yuri Yelistratov to avenge the only loss on his record. French heavyweight champion Yacine Kingbo has had to wait for his success, but just two weeks ago he finally came good when he won the national title by beating Antoine Palatis.

Kingbo stands over six foot three inches tall and is a clean puncher, although he can sometimes be over-concerned with volume instead of quality which has been known to cost him decisions.

On man who is looking forward to seeing this heavyweight fight is legendary former champion Brian London.

London, from Blackpool, has followed Ellis' career around the country and now cannot wait to see Ellis fight in front of their hometown fans.

Tickets priced at £50, £20 and £15 are available from Bill Moran at Munro & Hyland Bros (tel: 0151 708 8331), Dave Garside (tel: 0973 792588) or by telephoning the credit card hotline at the Winter Gardens (tel: 01253 292029).

The promotion can also be seen live and exclusive on ITV2.

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