Harry Powell fights for his first recognised title in Hull next month
From left to right; Harry Powell, Lewis Sylvester, Curtis Woodhouse and Ted Jackson(Image: Liam Ford, 3156 Boxing )
Harry Powell is the man to bring big boxing back to Hull as the city prepares for a new and exciting chapter of boxing.
That’s the message from trainer and promoter Curtis Woodhouse, who will be in Powell’s corner on September 11 when the middleweight looks to become the first Hullensian to win a recognised title in his home city in some time.
Hull has some talented fighters but not since the days of Luke Campbell and Tommy Coyle have titles been fought for regularly in East Yorkshire and Woodhouse is making it his mission to bring those days to end.
As such, in just under a month, Powell will take on York’s Nathan Shepherd for the vacant middleweight central area title. Powell is unbeaten through seven fights with four of his wins being stoppages due to the devastating power of his right hand.
And, while the 25-year-old is training for 10 gruelling rounds at Connexin Live, Woodhouse believes Powell has the power to make it a short night.
“We’ve not had anything since Campbell v Coyle which is unbelievable and a real slap in the face for local boxing,” Woodhouse told Hull Live. “It’s a bit of dark stain on all of us that it’s not happened
“Harry Powell is the torchbearer, he’s bringing big fights back and we’ve got a huge night lined up after this. We have to get through this first for Harry.
“I think Harry Powell is the real deal and I still think he has a lot of improvement to go. I said to him the other day I think I need another 18 months with him to get him to where he’s going to be at his best but he’s got world class power in his right hand.
“It’s scary, whenever he touches people with it in sparring or in fights, the same thing happens, they end up sat on their bum. He’s got that x-factor, he’s dangerous.
“He likes to have a fight too much but he really does have dynamite in his fists and that’s what will take Harry to that British title.”
Powell will be no stranger to Hull-based fight fans having fought three times at Connexin Live since November 2025 and should things go as planned in September, he is likely to take the next step in his career in familiar surroundings once more.
Woodhouse has made an exclusive commitment to four shows a year at the city centre arena, with the next one set to be held in November and while that turnaround might be a little tight for him, Powell looks set to be face of Woodhouse’s promotion moving forward.
He won’t be the only local lad on the upcoming ‘September Showdown’ card, though, with heavyweight Adrian King looking for his 10th win in 11 fights having knocked out seven of his previous opponents.
Louis West will be looking to get back to winning ways after his setback against Ashley Marron last time out, while Bridlington’s James Precious will be in action too.
Five debutants will also be getting into the ring including Marillious Kelly and Corben Beecher, who is the first to turn professional out of Tommy Coyle’s academy.
“We’ve got a good batch of fighters coming through at all ages,” Woodhouse added. “The time is now. We’ve been starved for so long of quality in the city and when we have had quality it’s not been local.
“Now finally we have TalkSport partnered with us and we’ve signed an exclusive deal with Connexin Live so we’re all set for some big nights and we have to keep rolling. We’ll have a minimum of four shows every year.
“This will be our third and we have another one lined up for November which will be called ‘Strap season’, so there’ll be title fights on there as well. We’re really making a play in the city.
“Marillious Kelly is making his debut, he’s not had a professional fight yet but he’s already established himself as the most hated man in boxing, giving it to everyone on the internet. I have more phone calls about Marillious Kelly than anyone else. He puts me to shame!
“Adrian King has had 10 fights and seven have been won by knockout. We’re building nicely.
“Since he had that loss he’s won four in a row. For a heavyweight he’s very young, he’s only 21 but there’s no doubt in my mind that Adrian can be heavyweight champion of the world once day. He’s a special talent, he just needs nurturing properly.”
Tickets for the show at Connexin Live on Friday, September 11 are available now.