In the unforgiving arena of professional boxing, few aspirations burn as brightly as the desire to claim a national title. For Port Talbot`s Conor McIntosh, that flame has been a constant guide, leading him to the precipice of a career-defining moment. On Saturday, September 13th, at Cardiff`s Vale Sports Arena, he steps into the squared circle for a final eliminator for the British super-featherweight title – a contest that could unlock his lifelong dream: the coveted Lonsdale belt.
A Rematch with Higher Stakes
The upcoming bout is not entirely new territory for McIntosh. He will once again face Newport`s Nathan Howells, a familiar adversary from a previous encounter in November 2023. That night, McIntosh delivered a performance of undeniable authority, securing the Welsh super-featherweight title with a decisive 96-91 score, punctuated by four knockdowns over Howells. It was a victory that left little doubt about McIntosh`s superiority at the time.
However, boxing rarely offers straightforward reruns. While the memory of that dominant win might linger in the minds of fans, McIntosh approaches this rematch with a pragmatic understanding of its elevated significance. “I`m not looking past it at all,” he states, eschewing complacency. “I`m not thinking, just because of what happened last time, I`m just going to do the same again. I know it`s going to be a tough fight.” This acknowledgment of the shifting landscape underscores the professionalism and maturity he brings to this critical juncture.
The Evolution of a Fighter
McIntosh`s journey to this point has been a testament to unyielding dedication. From the moment he turned professional, the British title has been his declared objective. This ambition has fueled years of rigorous training, often balanced with the demands of a full-time job – a testament to the grit often hidden behind the glamour of the sport. Under the tutelage of former world champion Enzo Maccarinelli, McIntosh`s development has been meticulously structured.
“Training`s been great, always is. Enzo pushes me to my limits, but knows when to rein it in as well. Everything has been structured, and gone well,” McIntosh explains, highlighting the disciplined environment shaping his progression.
Indeed, McIntosh asserts that he is a “completely different fighter now.” He speaks of enhanced maturity, improved composure, and a sustained increase in strength and fitness. This evolution isn`t merely theoretical; it`s forged in the fires of experience. His previous foray into international competition, a challenge for the vacant World Boxing Federation super-featherweight title in the Cayman Islands, serves as a stark example. While he didn`t secure the title, enduring 12 rounds in the Caribbean heat against India`s Mandeep Jangra provided invaluable conditioning and a profound self-assessment.
One might cynically envision a “tropical training camp” as a boxer`s holiday, but for McIntosh, it was a crucible. “Honestly, the heat, I was only there for a few days before we had to box, I`m getting used to the heat and acclimatising. It was just one of those things where I really found out a lot about myself. So if I can do twelve rounds over there, I can do twelve over here. It was a good experience all in all,” he reflects, his words underscoring the resilience gained from an unconventional proving ground.
The Lonsdale Belt: A Symbol of National Supremacy
The prize awaiting the winner of this eliminator is a direct shot at the prestigious Lonsdale belt, currently held by Southampton`s Ryan Garner, who also boasts European and Commonwealth titles. The British title is not merely a piece of hardware; it is a historical emblem of national boxing supremacy, a gateway to further international opportunities, and for many, the pinnacle of a domestic career.
Given his emphatic prior victory over Howells, McIntosh acknowledges the unique pressure he faces. “On paper, I`m expected to win,” he admits, revealing the burden that accompanies past success. This psychological weight adds another layer of complexity to a contest already brimming with anticipation. He must not only defeat his opponent but also live up to the expectations born from his own previous dominance.
Welsh Pride on a National Stage
Adding another layer of significance to the event is its broadcast. The fight will be showcased live domestically in Wales on S4C, marking the first time since 2017 that boxing has featured on the network. For McIntosh, a proud and fluent Welsh speaker, this connection to his heritage is deeply meaningful.
“It`s great, I`m a fluent Welsh speaker as well. I`ve been brushing up on my Welsh as I don`t get to speak it that much, like no one speaks it,” he quips, with a touch of good-natured irony. “I`ve made sure my daughter goes to a Welsh school now, and me and her have little chats and stuff about what she knows and doesn’t. I love being Welsh, I think you should all be proud of where you’re from.”
This personal pride imbues the fight with a communal spirit, transforming it from a mere individual contest into a moment of collective celebration for Welsh boxing enthusiasts. McIntosh fights not just for himself, but for the legacy and future of the sport in his homeland.
The Countdown to Fireworks
As September 13th draws near, the narrative surrounding Conor McIntosh is one of a fighter honed by experience, driven by an unwavering ambition, and acutely aware of the magnitude of the challenge ahead. He is not merely seeking a win; he is seeking to complete an “unfinished symphony,” to fulfill a promise he made to himself years ago. The rematch against Nathan Howells is more than a fight; it is the penultimate act in a long-running drama, the final hurdle before the grand stage of a British title showdown.
“It`s going to be a completely different Conor McIntosh; it`ll be fireworks,” he concludes. For fans of the noble art, the promise of such an explosive performance, coupled with the profound stakes involved, makes this eliminator an unmissable event.
