ADAM ETCHES: “THIS WILL BE MY YEAR”
The hard-hitting Sheffield middleweight bolstered his world ranking by adding the IBF International and WBC Youth crowns to his collection in 2014.
But he’s far from done has he has his eye on the British and European baubles and also wants to increase his credentials on the international stage.
“Everything I’m doing is going well and everyone in Sheffield is getting behind me so this should be a big year for me,” Etches, 18-0 (15 KOs), said.
“My ultimate goal is to win a world title and I’ll do whatever it takes to get there. If that means fighting for the British and European titles this year, then that’s what I’ll do.
“Billy Joe Saunders is boxing Andy Lee for the WBO title and that should free up the belts. I could fight someone like Chris Eubank Jnr or John Ryder for them.
“They’re both winnable fights for me and I don’t think I’m that far behind Lee and Saunders so who knows, I could be close to a world title sooner than people think.”
Etches has already sold out the 2,000 capacity Ponds Forge Arena in Sheffield so with a few more belts around his waist, the next logical step is to fulfil his dream of topping the bill at the city’s Motorpoint Arena.
“I’ve boxed on Kell Brook’s undercard there, which was brilliant, and I think I can be in the main event there myself one day,” Adam said.
“More and more people want to see me box and I can already fill Ponds Forge, so the arena should be next. I’m not there yet, but Kell went from Ponds Forge to there in only a few fights and there’s no reason I can’t.
“I’ve just got to keep doing what I’m doing, keep climbing the ladder and it’ll happen.”
