Next weekend, Ricky Summers takes on Andre Sterling as a final eliminator for the British light-heavyweight title on the massive James DeGale v Chris Eubank Jr. undercard.
The former Lonsdale Belt challenger is finishing off his training camp ahead of a massive spot on the O2 Arena bill.
Updating on his progress, Summers is looking forward to the challenge.
“Training’s good, I’ve had a great camp, and I’m feeling the best I’ve ever felt,” Summers exclusively told World Boxing News.
Callum Johnson vacated his British title, which will now be contested for between Joshua Buatsi and Liam Conroy. Explaining how the situation with Sterling came about, Summers added: “The Board had mandated an eliminator for the British because nothing was really happening for us.
“I also had a bit of a crappy year last year due to medical reasons,” he explained.
“They (the Board) said Sterling for the British (eliminator), and to be honest, I’ve never really heard of him before. But you know, I hear he’s a good kid.
“He has a good record of 9-0. He’s beaten a former ABA champion in Kirk Garvey.
“It was actually agreed to a small hall show, so I think they pulled it forward to get on the Eubank card, and then it’s just escalated from there.”
When asked by WBN how he sees the fight playing out, Summers said: “100% I’m not one for trash talk and stuff, but I think I’ll control this.
“I see me breaking him up and getting a mid to late stoppage.”
Sterling, last time out, won the Southern Area title against Garvey and now makes another step up in competition against Summers.
“He’s beat a former ABA champion. He’s coming off a good win, so yeah, he can cause a few problems. Even though he’s short, he looks decent. He’s got a good boxing ability and a bit of amateur pedigree,” Summers pointed out.
The contest is Summers’ second challenge for the British title. Against Frank Buglioni in 2017, Summers showed his resilience and experience at the British level in losing on points.
RICKY SUMMERS EXPERIENCE
Winning two fights since that defeat, Summers believes his experience will play a big part in the fight.
“I just think I’m far too experienced at that level. On the big shows, I’ve been there and done it. Sterling has boxed on these small hall shows. But when you’re on these big shows at the O2, you forget what it is, and I’m experienced at those.
“He’s an unbeaten fighter. Somebody that I want to beat because he’s got a decent record. I think it opens up a lot of things.”
“Obviously, being an area champion, he’s coming through thick and fast. But he opens up the British scene for me. That’s what I want to do.”
With eyes on the prize, Summers concluded by saying: “I’m chasing the British title, this is an eliminator, so afterward I’ll be fighting for the British.
“The winner of Buatsi or Conroy will be a good fight for me.”
Chandler Waller is a staff writer for World Boxing News. Follow Chandler on Twitter @ChandlerWaller.
