WITH a string of successive victories under his belt and the dogged duo of motivation and momentum hunched determinedly in his corner, Kieran Gething looks destined for great things.

Only trouble is the Abergavenny born boxer is still waiting for the right opportunity and the right opponent to get in the ring and let him do what he does best.

Lady luck hasn’t been a frequent guest in the Gething camp during the last year. His last two scheduled opponents all bailed at the last minute leaving the up and comer to trade blows with

the second billing.

In April Gething was all set to fight it out with Tony Dixon for the Welsh welterweight title in the capital, but after Dixon picked up an injury in training, Newbridge veteran Bradley Pryce was rushed in to replace him.

Gething comfortably beat the 37-year-old former Commonwealth King on a big stage and sent a clear message to the world that he was more than ready for a title shot.

The world was listening and a showdown with Newcastle’s Basi Razaq for the British Challenge Belt was earmarked for August 11.

Razaq and Gething were well-matched. They have similar records, complimentary styles and the contest could have served as a springboard for a shot at the Lonsdale Belt

Alas it was not to be.

Razaq pulled out at the last minute due to injury and Gething fought Barcelona-based Nicaraguan Jorge Moreno instead.

Although he comfortably beat Moreno at the Llandarcy Academy of Sport, the same match saw Gething experience the first knockdown and count of his boxing career.

“It was more frustrating than anything,” recalls Gething. “He was an awkward fella and he caught me by surprise early on with a wide shot. I touched down and got straight back up and thought, ‘Right! That won’t happen again.’”

And it didn’t. Gething floored his opponent in the second and won the fight with a fourth-round stoppage.

The fight was a definite learning curve for Gething who’ll be back in action on September 28 with a JE Promotions show at Pontypool Leisure Centre.

But guess what? He still doesn’t know who he’ll be fighting.

Swansea’s Chris Jenkins was originally on the cards and the two were set to box it out for the Welsh welterweight crown but Jenkins withdrew to challenge Kent-born Irishman Darragh Foley.

In the meantime, Gething’s camp are still looking for an opponent for their man.

“It’s frustrating” admits Gething. “I feel sorry for the supporters because I can’t promise when they buy tickets that I’ll be definitely fighting for a title.

“I’m an extremely motivated person but it’s getting harder to push myself that extra mile when you haven’t got a clue who your next opponent is going to be.

“It is a waiting game though. Momentum is on my side and I’m sure the right opportunity will come along sooner or later. I’ll just have to make sure I grab it with both hands when it does.”

Regardless of just who his opponent will be on September 28, Gething is relishing the thought of fighting in front of a Ponty crowd,and is just as excited about the Y-Fenni Fight Festival which will be held in Abergavenny’s Market Hall this November.

Gething explained, “I was approached to see if I would be interested in organising an amateur boxing event featuring local fighters as part of an event to promote combat sports in the area. I said yes, as long as it was regulated by an official body.

“So the boxing will be held on Saturday November 3, and on Sunday, November 4 they’ll be a martial arts competition organized by Maddie Davies.

“It’s exciting because there’s a long and proud history of boxing in Abergavenny and there’s been bouts in the Market Hall from the early 1900s onwards. I fought there myself some years back and would love to bring a pro show to such a historic venue at some point in the future..”

Gething added, “Prior to the weekend there will be a show on October 11 at the Borough which showcases the history of boxing in Abergavenny. There’ll be talks from old fighters and people who have been involved in the sport and a huge amount of boxing memrobila on display.

“The Y-Fenni Fight Festival will also act as a fundraiser for local charity Jacob’s Fight.”