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Hard-hitting Canadian Eric Martel Bahoeli believes his Commonwealth title fight with Lucas Browne will open the door to the big time.
The heavyweights clash at the Ponds Forge Arena in Sheffield next Saturday, with the winner likely to surge up the world rankings. Bahoeli, 32, accepts he will be a huge underdog come fight night, but says he needs to cause an upset in order to progress his career.
“For me, it is a great opportunity because I don’t have a promoter and I have worked very hard for this title,” he said. “I have trained harder than ever for this fight, it has been in mind every day and it can change my career.
“I work and boxing is not my only thing, but for this fight I have just done boxing training thanks to a good sponsor and I feel ready. I think winning will put me in the shop window and help get me more fights against other top heavyweights.”
Bahoeli is no stranger to the UK, having come over earlier in the year to spar Liverpool’s 2008 Olympic Bronze medallist David Price. It was an experience that he feels will help give him an edge over Browne.
“It was in January and I wasn’t in the best shape, but David was a good guy and a good boxer. He hit very hard and I think it was the perfect start to training for me. My fitness has greatly improved since, I’ve worked very hard in the gym and I’m ready to go 12 rounds.”
Next Saturday’s bill is being televised live and exclusive in the UK by BoxNation (Sky Ch.437 HD 490 and Virgin 546).
The show’s chief supporting contest sees Kazakhstan’s Zhanat Zhakiyanov challenge European Bantamweight champion Karim Guerfi, while Sheffield’s own Adam Etches faces Felipe De La Paz Teniente for the vacant WBC Youth Middleweight crown.
Also starring will be Ricky Hatton-trained prospects Adam Little and Kirill Relikh along with Scott Jenkins, Leo D’Erlanger, Kash Ali and Dave Howe.
Ticket prices are priced at £35 (General Admission), £55 (Reserved Floor Seats), £75 (Ringside) and £100 (VIP Ringside). They can be purchased from 07747 474701.
