SAM NOAKES is eager to start a hot new streak against Gianluca Ceglia after going first in his last outing.
The 27-year-old boxer was 13-0 with 13 KOs until he faced Yvan Mendy in the European title fight at York Hall in April.
And judges were needed for the first time in Noakes' match after the Frenchman held on until the final bell – although all three at ringside scored for Noakes who won 120-108.
The Maidstone man admits the end of the game upset him but is now ready to channel that frustration into defending his first European title, when he faces Italy's Ceglia at the same venue on September 6.
“It was good but I'm upset that I lost this game,” he said about his victory over Mendy.
“I feel like another box has been ticked now – people were saying that I'm good if he walks on his own, but can he keep the distance? I'm glad I checked that box. I've done the distance now I don't want it anymore, 12 rounds is a long time.
“I didn't know them there, but when the bells have already hit you. When I'm fighting I don't have time to think I'm tired but in the end when you've done it all, it all hits you – the week of fighting, making weight, interviews. Everything just hits you.
“Everyone wants to be stopped. No one is lying in bed dreaming of walking a long distance. But the end game is like silver, I don't have that extra pressure every time in a fight but I would like to have pressure.
“Now it would be good to start with Ceglia. It's business as usual, my first priority. I think it's a good fight, he just comes forward so I'm looking forward to it. Keep winning is all I can really do.”
Noakes has won the British, Commonwealth and European lightweight titles and is currently ranked number 7 in the WBO – so how long until he gets his chance at world honours?
“I don't have a clue,” she said. “I take one fight at a time. I should have two more fights this year but I don't see that I will be fighting for the world title in both of them.
“The separation is psychological, there are many big names. I just need a few more fights, I'm slowly building myself up. If it ends in 2025, I don't have a problem, I'm not in a hurry.”
Source link
