Lofthouse poised for pro debut

ANDREW LOFTHOUSE: "Ready for it"

FITTON Hill tough guy Andy Lofthouse is hoping to make an immediate impact in the world of top-flight Mixed Martial Arts tomorrow as he makes his professional debut as part of a massive show in Ireland.

After years of hard graft on the Thai Boxing circuit, Lofthouse (25) has now switched allegiances to the British Association of Mixed Martial Arts and fights on 'BAMMA 27' at the huge 3 Arena in Dublin this weekend.

Bantamweight Lofthouse will jump straight into the lion's den as he will face home-town favourite Ian 'Concrete' Cleary, but the Oldham battle merchant is not fazed one bit.

He told the Chronicle: "To be honest I've been planning this move to MMA for quite some time now.

'FORTUNATE'
"I feel I'm ready for it, given all my experience in Thai Boxing.

"I'm fortunate I've managed to get on such a big show in what is my MMA debut, but it gives me a chance to really shine straight away.

"I know Cleary will be a really hard fight - he is already a 'Clan Wars' champion ­- but he's making his debut too, and I am confident of gaining a victory.

"Professional MMA is a whole different world to what I've been used to, but I see this as a chance to change my life in the not-too-distant future.

"I'm going to give everything to try and take this chance now."

Lofthouse has certainly prepared well for Friday's bout.

His trainer is none other than Daz Morris, the man who has helped former Clitheroe fighter Michael Bisping go on and achieve worldwide success.

Lofthouse fought more than 100 time in the amateur Thai Boxing ranks.