In the unforgiving theatre of professional boxing, few accolades carry the weight and prestige of the British title, often referred to by its iconic Lonsdale belt. For Port Talbot’s Conor McIntosh (9-2), this coveted piece of national silverware is now tantalizingly within reach. Standing between him and a shot at destiny is Newport`s Nathan Howells (11-1-1, 2KOs), in a final eliminator bout that promises more than just a fight; it`s a narrative of redemption, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of a lifelong dream.
A Dream Forged in Steel and Sweat
McIntosh, a veteran at 30, has made no secret of his aspiration. “As soon as I turned professional, I said, `I want to win a British title`,” he asserts, a testament to a goal that has anchored his career. His journey has been one of rigorous dedication, balancing a full-time job with the brutal demands of professional training under the tutelage of former world champion Enzo Maccarinelli. This isn`t the glamour of reality television; it`s the gritty reality of a fighter earning his stripes, hour by hour, punch by punch.
“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. I work full-time, so work has been good with me having the odd hour here and there off to accommodate training. It’s gone really well.”
This commitment speaks volumes. In a sport where many seek shortcuts, McIntosh embodies the old-school work ethic, a quality that will be indispensable when he steps back into the squared circle on Saturday, September 13, at Cardiff’s Vale Sports Arena.
The Rematch: Echoes of the Past, Eyes on the Future
This isn`t the first time McIntosh and Howells have shared a ring. Their initial encounter, nearly two years ago in November 2023, saw McIntosh deliver a dominant performance, securing the Welsh super-featherweight title with a 96-91 decision, having sent Howells to the canvas four times. For some, such a decisive victory might breed complacency. Not for McIntosh.
“If I’m being honest, if somebody did that to me, what I did to him that night, I would lose sleep over it for the rest of my days,” he reflects with a candor that belies the usual pre-fight bravado. “But if I had the opportunity to put it right, which he’s been given, I’ll make sure that no stone has been left unturned whatsoever.”
This acknowledgement hints at the psychological warfare inherent in rematches. Howells will undoubtedly be fueled by the memory of that night, seeking to rewrite the script. McIntosh, however, is not resting on past laurels.
“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.”
The Caribbean Crucible and a Fighter Reborn
McIntosh`s journey since their last clash has been anything but ordinary. A significant detour took him nearly 10,000 miles to the sun-drenched Cayman Islands for a shot at the vacant World Boxing Federation super-featherweight title. While he ultimately lost a 12-round decision to India`s Mandeep Jangra, the experience proved invaluable.
Fighting in the intense Caribbean heat for a full 12 rounds is a different beast entirely – a peculiar kind of “tropical vacation” for a professional boxer. This gruelling experience has instilled a new level of confidence and maturity in McIntosh. “Fighting twelve rounds in the Cayman Islands is completely different… I really found out a lot about myself. So if I can do twelve rounds over there, I can do twelve over here.”
This endurance factor could be a crucial differentiator. Howells has yet to navigate the championship distance of 12 rounds, and the psychological edge of knowing one can go the distance, especially under adverse conditions, is not to be underestimated. McIntosh sees himself as a vastly improved athlete.
“I’m 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.”
The Welsh Roar: A Nation Tunes In
Adding another layer of significance, this final eliminator will be broadcast live domestically on S4C, the Welsh-language channel. It marks the first time boxing has graced the network since 2017, a momentous occasion for Welsh sports enthusiasts. For McIntosh, a proud and fluent Welsh speaker, this provides an extra surge of motivation, connecting his personal ambition to national pride.
“It’s great, I’m a fluent Welsh speaker as well,” he quips, perhaps with a hint of irony about the rarity of using his native tongue. “I’ve made sure my daughter (Bronagh) goes to a Welsh school now… I love being Welsh, I think you should all be proud of where you’re from.” It`s a reminder that beneath the warrior`s exterior lies a man deeply connected to his roots.
The Ultimate Pressure Test
With Ryan Garner currently holding the British, European, and Commonwealth super-featherweight titles, the winner of McIntosh vs. Howells will earn the right to challenge for one of British boxing`s most respected belts. The pressure on McIntosh is palpable; he is, on paper, the favorite, having dominated their previous encounter.
“On paper, I’m expected to win, so I suppose that does bring a lot of pressure on me,” he admits, acknowledging the burden of expectation. Yet, he concludes with the promise of a spectacle: “It’s going to be a completely different Conor McIntosh; it’ll be fireworks.”
As September 13 approaches, Cardiff awaits. This isn`t just a fight; it`s a testament to perseverance, a battle of wills, and a defining chapter in the careers of two determined Welsh boxers. The Lonsdale belt beckons, and for Conor McIntosh, one more step could lead to boxing immortality.
Tristan Blackwood