British Cruiser Askin Logs 125 Miles A Day In Roadwork

Matty Askin spends more than three hours a day stuck in his car, but reckons the boredom is worth it.

He makes a 125 mile round trip every day from his hometown of Blackpool to Hyde – where he trains at Hatton Health and Fitness.

Askin, who has won all ten professional fights, hopes to show what he is learning under master trainer Bob Shannon when he meets rugged Argie – Juan Manuel Garay at Blackpool’s Tower Circus on August 19.

Matty joined up with Shannon earlier this year and the partnership paid off when he stopped Neil Dawson to claim the Central Area cruiserweight crown in March.

Askin, 22, says “I make the journey every afternoon from Blackpool leaving the house at 2pm driving for almost two hours on occasions, training and return home.

“Of course, the driving is a pain but it is worth every sacrifice because I am learning so much. Since I joined Bob the results have been amazing. My body shape has completely changed.

“I am really coming on and getting back to my old ways instead of just trying to fight. I am feeling a million times better and the Garay fight will show it.”

In the bill topper Matthew Hatton meets unbeaten Belarusian Andrei Abramenka for the vacant IBF intercontinental welterweight crown over 12 rounds.

Askin’s occasional sparring partner, Rik Turba is up against Dutchman Mitchell Balker over eight rounds

Other prospects on the bill include welterweight hopeful Adam Little who tackles Liam Griffiths and middleweight Tom Scott whose debut opponent is Bobby Wood.

In a six round bantamweight attraction Kazakhstan’s – Zhanat Zhakyanov faces Anwar Alfadi.

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