AFTER settling scores, delivering the goods and ending 2017 on a high, Kieran Gething is not about to rest on this laurels, the pro-boxer has high hopes and big dreams for 2018, including a title shot.

Following a roller-coaster of a year, the light middleweight began his Christmas celebrations early when he won every round against 184-fight journeyman Kevin McCauley on Black Friday.

Held at Pontypool Active Living Centre, the encounter was memorable for two reasons. Firstly, it was the first time pro-boxing had returned to the town since the late Johnny Owen topped the bill on May 10, 1979. Secondly, it saw 23-year-old Gething avenge the controversial draw he was handed against the same opponent when he made his debut in the paid ranks on November 2016.

Gething believed he had done enough that distant night in Weston-super-Mare to warrant a win, but judge Lee Cook dictated otherwise.

Gething took matters very much into his own hands during the six-round rematch in Ponty and was awarded a 60-54 verdict from referee Reece Carter.

Post fight Gething admitted it felt like had had ‘avenged that draw’, and explained, “The fight went great. It felt fantastic to put right the draw on my record in front of over 500 people in Pontypool.”

Confessing to a ‘little bit of showboating’ in the first round to get the crowd galvanized and on side, Gething revealed the fight wasn’t so much about dominating but performing well.

Nevertheless, the up and coming boxer was surprised by some of the punishment McCauley was soaking up.

“I couldn’t believe some of the body shots he was taking – he must have iron for breakfast. I kept in range when I had to and didn’t get drawn into a scrap too often. I landed some good shots, it’s just a pity he didn’t fall down.”

Gething added, “Kevin was a gentleman and said how much I’d come on since last year.

“It’s my fourth win in a row now and after getting two six round fights under my belt I’ve gained enough experience to be sanctioned by the British Boxing Board Of Control for titles now. So I hope that’s the next step.”

Trained by Lyndon James, managed by Jamie Arthur, and sponsored by DT Contracting, DT Civils, Euphoria Training and Liberty Care Ltd, Gething will drop down a weight this year to further his ambitions for a title shot.

“My fights so far have been at light middleweight but I will be dropping down and campaigning for belts at welterweight when the opportunities arise.

And to anyone who’s followed this young man’s career to date, there can be no doubt that those opportunities will present themselves very soon.

*And those opportunities already have. Gething has since confirmed he will be chasing his first title in the pro ranks when he goes toe to toe with Mountain Ash’s Tony Dixon. The two will battle it out for the vacant Welsh welterweight belt as part of the bill for Sanigar Events’ Ice Arena Wales show which will be held in Cardiff on April 14.