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British Lightweight contender Nadeem “Golden Boy” Siddique returns to action following almost a year out of the ring at the Robin Park Arena in Wigan on Saturday, June 13th as part of the supporting cast to the John Murray – Scott Lawton British title fight.
The Hennessy Sports event is live on ITV4 and Siddique is anxious to make up for lost time while he will also be taking a keen interest in the proceedings in the main event as he eyes a future shot at the winner.
Reigning Central Area champion Siddique has been matched with old foe and current Southern Area Champ Tom Glover as he bids to return to winning ways following the first defeat of his career last July. That setback against Martin Gethin ended a 22 fight winning streak stretching back to his pro debut in 2002.
However the 31-year-old from Bradford is promising to bounce back with a bang in Wigan as he bids to put a frustrating year behind him. “The defeat was hard to take,” admitted Siddique. “To be fair I only took the fight on a days notice and in hindsight I shouldn’t have taken it but I’m not one to go around feeling sorry for myself.
“I had a niggling back injury at the time which kept me out for a while afterwards as well and needed a bit of rest but I’ve been back in the gym for almost 7 months now and I’ve been working, really, really hard.”
Siddique believes that the defeat to Gethin didn’t give a true representation of his ability. “I believe I’m better than that and I can’t wait to prove it. I’m a lot more dedicated now. I’ve always believed in myself and I know that I’m one of the best around. I’ve sparred with champions like Junior Witter, Jamie Moore and Kell Brook so I know I’m capable of performing at the highest level and I don’t see anyone out there to worry me.”
Referring to his friendship with fellow Bradford native and former World Champ Witter Siddique said, “We’ve been friends since we were kids. We went to the same schools, the same gyms as amateurs and professionals and we even shared a house together for a while.
“Junior is one of the straightest people you could meet and he’ll always be honest with you so if he told me I’d found my level then I’d believe him but he believes that I can go all the way. It’s just about getting myself right mentally and preparing the right way.”
Siddique already holds a points win over Glover from 2007 but the Maldon man has improved considerably since then and is on a decent run of form. However with a British title fight at Lightweight headlining the Wigan bill Siddique has all the motivation he needs to repeat his win over Glover.
“To be honest I’m not bothered about the opponent, all I’m concerned about is making sure that I’m right physically and mentally and getting myself back on track for a title fight. I let my opponents worry about me and I concentrate on making sure that I’m the best I can be.
“I know all about Tom Glover anyway and I know exactly what he brings to the table. He’s a decent fighter but as long as I’m right then it doesn’t matter who’s in the opposite corner.”
That also extends to the winner of the main event insists Siddique. “I’d love a title fight after this. It’s those fights that get me motivated and excited and as long as I get the right notice I’d take a British title fight in a heartbeat.
“I think the John Murray and Scott Lawton fight is going to be a really interesting one because Lawton is an underrated fighter. I think people will be surprised at how close it’s going to be because styles make fights and I think Lawton’s style could trouble Murray. Murray’s obviously the champion and he might be the favourite but I think it’s a tricky one to call.”
The chief support at the Robin Park Arena in Wigan on Saturday, June 13th will feature heavyweight sensation Tyson Fury in his seventh pro fight. Joining Fury on the undercard will be his cousin Phill Fury, hot Featherweight prospect Steve “Super Bad” Barnes and exciting Canadian puncher Andrew Singh Kooner.
Tickets are available from the Ticketline box office on 0844 888 4402 or via www.ticketline.co.uk.
