The 21-year-old makes the switch from kicks to punches this weekend and is adamant he will not be tempted to use his feet in the bout as he stand by to make his professional boxing debut.
“I will be just as motivated for this fight as I have been for all my title fights in Kickboxing,” he told www.uko-boxing.com. “Boxing is something I have always wanted to get into so it will be a massive occasion for me. I am going to take nothing for granted in this sport and I will work as hard as possible to make sure I am a success.
“I used to do a lot of boxing as a junior so I am used to just using my hands in fights. I have been doing nothing but boxing training since Christmas too so it will feel fine just using my fists. When you get the boots on and the different gear it will not feel anything like kickboxing.”
The super middleweight is confident the length of the rounds will not take any getting used to as he steps in with Lithuania’s Deividas Sajauka over four three-minute rounds.
“In Kickboxing, I did either five three minute rounds in a title fight or three rounds in a normal fight so four rounds in boxing will be perfect to get me started. I am used to fast starts in fights so I will be ready for that if it happens on Saturday. I could do much more than four rounds because kickboxing is even more tiring so longer fights will not be a problem for me to adapt to in the future.
“The final preparation has all gone to plan and I feel fantastic and strong. I am really looking forward to getting in the ring now. In the next couple of days I will just relax, get the last little bit of weight off and prepare for war.”
Sugden and Sajauka weigh-in for Black Country Boxing’s Cool Hand & The Gang show, sponsored by Grosvenor Casino Walsall, at the Grosvenor Casino Walsall, Bentley Mill Lane, Walsall, WS2 0LE, tomorrow (Friday 18th) at 1.30pm.
Tickets for the show are priced at £30 (general admission) and £60 (VIP Ringside), and can be purchased by calling 0845 111 2900 or directly from any boxer on the bill.
The weigh-in and aftershow take place at Grosvenor Casino Walsall, Bentley Mill Way, Walsall WS2 0LE (just off junction 10 of the M6). GC Walsall will have a presence at the Town Hall on the evening and have linked up with local taxi firm, Yellow Taxi’s, to supply a number of free taxi’s to take guests from the Town Hall to the casino post-fight.
