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Alex Matvienko is on the verge of becoming Bolton’s next professional boxing champion.
Matvienko get his big chance when he boxes Lee Edwards for the vacant British Masters light middleweight title at Robin Park Arena in Wigan, England on Sunday, September 14.
Commonwealth lightweight champion Amir Khan is the talk of the town, but one-time sparring partner Matvienko is out to grab some glory for himself in his ten round tussle.
Matvienko, unbeaten in 13 professional contests, hopes victory over his Sheffield rival will bring him closer to a crack at British title holder, Ryan Rhodes.
“A title fight is what everyone wants to win,” said the 30 year old. “This belt would mean everything to me, and more. I’m not saying I am the next world champion, but if I would love to go on and fight for the the British title.
“I have seen fighters like Marcus Portman get chances at British and Commonwealth titles and I think I am in that league. Obviously, Amir has done superbly well for Bolton and we’re all proud of him, but I would love to win some kind of title.
“I’m proud of what I’ve achieved because I never took boxing serious until I was 23 years old. Before that, I was always in the gym but after training, I would pop off for a pint and pie.”
Matvienko, who makes ends meet at a private fitness instructor and coaching white collar boxers, is currently recharging his batteries in Spain before knuckling down for his big afternoon.
“The fight is eight weeks away, but I’ve been running on holiday and my weight is already under 12 stone [168 lb],” said Matvienko. “I just want to do as well as possible and you can see that when I’m training. When I’m preparing for a fight, I live, eat and sleep boxing.”
Edwards, 24, is certainly a tough opponent for Matvienko and has tasted defeat just once in eight professional contests.
Also on the bill are some of the brightest prospects in the North West including Martin Murray of St Helens, Carl Dilks of Liverpool, Jack Armfield of Blackpool, Chris Johnson of Preston, Scott Mitchell and Rick Godding of Bolton and Lee Jennings of Liverpool.
