Cruiserweight Turba Hoping For Victory And British Citizenship

Rik Turba hopes to be able to give up his job as a Blackpool bouncer if he defeats Mitchell Balker later this month.

The cruiserweight powerhouse faces the Dutchman in his hometown at Blackpool Tower over eight rounds on Friday August 19. Turba, 26, ended a four year lay-off last September and since coming back has impressed stopping Jon Lewis Dickinson and Leon Williams.

Rik who boasts a 6-2-1 record said: “I work as a doorman for Northern Security at the Walkabout bar in Blackpool, but because of this fight I have had five weeks off.

"After this fight, maybe I will go back to work there or if there is something better for me from one of the big promoters I can give that up. It would be great if I could box full-time and not have to worry about work.”

Turba has applied for British citizenship giving him real hopes of challenging British champion Robert Norton next year.

The Slovakian born boxer explained: “I have been in Blackpool for six-and-a-half years and it is my home. I am happy and don’t plan to return to Slovakia. It will take a few months to get my British nationality. I have to so some tests on the language and way of life, but hope to get my citizenship by the end of the year.

“It means I can fight for the British title and I would feel confident of beating the current champion, Robert Norton.”

In the Blackpool bill topper Matthew Hatton faces unbeaten Belarussian Andre Abramenka for the vacant IBF intercontinental title. Turba’s occasional sparring partner, unbeaten Matty Askin faces Argentinian Juan Manuel Garay over six rounds.

Other prospects on the bill include welterweight hopeful Adam Little and middleweight debutant Tom Scott who faces Bobby Wood. In a six round bantamweight attraction Kazakhstan’s Zhanat Zhakyanov faces a selected opponent.

The show promoted by Robert Waterman will be televised live by Eurosport and ticket are available prices £35, £55 and £75 VIP from 01925 755222 and www.ticketline.co.uk