Cardiff is set to host a boxing event of significant magnitude on Saturday, September 13, as Port Talbot`s Conor McIntosh (9-2) steps into the Vale Sports Arena. This isn`t just another fight; it`s a final eliminator for the prestigious British super-featherweight title, a gateway to opportunities that define careers and establish legacies. Standing opposite him will be Newport`s Nathan Howells (11-1-1, 2KOs), a familiar adversary in what promises to be a high-stakes rematch.
For McIntosh, 30, the pursuit of the Lonsdale Belt has been a lifelong ambition, a narrative woven through every interview and every training session since his amateur days. It’s the kind of dream that fuels early mornings and late nights, a stark contrast to the often less-than-glamorous reality of balancing a full-time job with the brutal demands of professional boxing. Under the tutelage of former world champion Enzo Maccarinelli, McIntosh’s preparation has been meticulous, a testament to his unwavering dedication.
A Rematch For Redemption and Glory
This upcoming clash marks the second time these two Welsh pugilists will share the ring, nearly 22 months after their initial encounter. That first bout saw McIntosh claim the Welsh super-featherweight title with a dominant performance, knocking Howells down four times en route to a decisive points victory. While history might suggest a particular outcome, the landscape of professional boxing is rarely so predictable. Both fighters have evolved, honing their craft, sharpening their strengths, and perhaps more critically, addressing their weaknesses.
McIntosh, acutely aware of the psychological weight of a rematch, dismisses any notion of complacency. “I’m not looking past it at all. 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,” he states, a professional acknowledging the growth of his opponent and the elevated stakes.
From Caribbean Heat to Cardiff`s Pressure Cooker
McIntosh’s journey since their first meeting includes a unique, character-building experience: a challenge for the vacant World Boxing Federation super-featherweight title in the Cayman Islands. A nearly 10,000-mile round-trip, not for the sun-drenched beaches and turquoise waters, but for the unforgiving crucible of a 12-round championship fight. Though he didn`t secure the title, the unanimous decision loss to India`s Mandeep Jangra provided invaluable lessons.
“Fighting twelve rounds in the Cayman Islands is completely different… 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.”
This experience, enduring a grueling 12 rounds in a tropical climate, is a significant point of confidence for McIntosh, a challenge Howells has yet to face in his own career. It underscores McIntosh`s claim of being a “completely different fighter now – much more mature, composed, I’ve gotten stronger, fitter, because I’ve never really taken my foot off the gas.”
Welsh Pride on a National Stage
Beyond the personal stakes, this fight carries a unique cultural significance for Welsh boxing fans. It marks the first time since 2017 that boxing will be broadcast live on S4C, the Welsh-language television channel. For McIntosh, a fluent Welsh speaker, this offers a chance to connect with his roots and showcase the sport to a broader, more intimate audience.
“It’s great, I’m a fluent Welsh speaker as well,” McIntosh muses, a touch of irony perhaps in his observation that “no one speaks it” enough to keep him entirely proficient. Yet, his pride is clear, extending to ensuring his daughter, Bronagh, attends a Welsh school. This fight, therefore, is not just about a title eliminator; it’s a moment of national sporting pride, streamed directly into homes across Wales.
The Road Ahead: Ryan Garner and Legacy
The winner of this eliminator will earn the right to challenge Southampton`s Ryan Garner, who currently holds not only the British super-featherweight title but also the European and Commonwealth belts. It`s a daunting prospect, but for McIntosh, it`s the ultimate reward for years of sacrifice and relentless effort.
While the pressure of being the “expected winner” weighs heavily, McIntosh thrives on it. He anticipates a vastly different encounter than their first meeting, promising “fireworks” instead of a mere replay. For both McIntosh and Howells, this fight represents more than just a step towards a championship; it`s a definitive moment, a chance to solidify their place in Welsh boxing history and, for one, to grasp the long-sought opportunity for British title glory.
As the date draws near, the boxing world will be watching Cardiff, eager to see which Welshman will emerge victorious and take that crucial step towards wearing the coveted Lonsdale Belt. The stage is set, the fighters are ready, and the echoes of their past encounter will surely resonate through the arena.
