I Would Beat The European Champion With My Eyes Closed says Sutcliffe

Phillip Sutcliffe Jr has had a ringside view of elite European title level and is adamant he would beat the current champion Ruben Nieto and his predecessor Lenny Daws blindfolded.

The former Irish amateur international fights for just the tenth time as a pro in the National Stadium on February 6th, but believes he is ready for continental honours.

However, being ready and being eligible are two different things when it comes to challenging for belts and the light welterweight prospect knows he has to work his way up the rankings ladder.

That’s where Alexandre Lepelley comes in. The Italian challenged for the European strap two fight ago and provides the in a hurry Dubliner with a chance to jump up in the rankings. 

Sutcliffe is set for his live TV debut on the Clash of the Clans card and he delighted he isn’t fighting a ‘bum’ on Boxnation.

“This guy fought for a European title two fights again and has been beaten since so he could be looking for a win,” Sutcliffe told Irish-boxing.com.

“He has 18 wins so he is no bum. I am not fighting these people coming over to get money and then go home. Leppeley is the type of opponent I want. I am moving up and I am looking for bigger and better things. I don’t want to be fighting bums. Fights like this move me up the ranks. I know it’s only six rounds but it’s on the light welterweight limit and he has recently challenged,” he added before discussing the champion.

“I’d fight the European champion tomorrow. I seen Lenny Daws and the Champion fight for the title and, to be honest with you, I think I would beat the both of them with my eyes closed. I am not trying to sound big headed or be cocky but the both walked on to a lot of shots and I don’t think you can walk onto many of my shots. They were too easy to hit and it’s a different story when I hit you.”

Big Dublin and TV cards seem the perfect fit for the Crumlin BC graduate, who has a history of exciting National Stadium fans.

There is genuine excitement that those outside the hard boxing fan circle will get to see Sutcliffe in action on February 6, but the fighter himself is in relaxed mood ahead of a clash.

“I am not overly excited I try and stay calm. I am enjoying the build up and the fact I am fighting at home, but once the weigh in is done I go get the game face on and get focused.

“It is exciting for the Dublin fans getting to see me at home and in the National Stadium again and hopefully I can provide them and Boxnation with a bit of excitement,” Sutcliffe continued.

Although there is always a calm, matter-of-fact. confident air to Sutcliffe in interviews he is aware that fighting on such a big card live on TV could help propel him on a level.

“I am really looking forward to this one. It’s only six rounds but we have a good opponent coming in and it’s going to be televised. It’s been shown but that doesn’t mean I have to go trying to knock this guy out. It’s on TV and it might give other people the incentive to fight me if I don’t stop him, but we will see what happens on the night.

“MGM and Frank Warren are doing me a favour having me on this show via Pat (Magee) and I am more than happy to say thanks to them. It is a great fit for me, I am from Dublin and I will be one of the most exciting fighters in Ireland, but I have only been on TV once and that was after my third fight up in Belfast. It went well but they showed it the next day not live, so hopefully this time it will be live.”