Lex Weston targeting step-up as title talk begins
Lex Weston is edging towards the next stage of his professional career, with his team discussing longer rounds and potential Irish or Celtic title ambitions.
The Padraig McCrory-mentored boxer improved to 4-0 following a four-round outing on the Unleashed card. The immediate focus is already shifting towards what comes next.
Team Weston believe the time is approaching for a step up in opposition, with a fifth professional win potentially setting the scene for a more substantial test and a clearer indication of where the late-to-the-pros entertainer stands in the domestic picture.
“Obviously, he’s a wee bit older, but something we’re really conscious of is that we do want to push on. We’re trying to do it the right way, but we’re not trying to push too quickly,” coach Daniel Anderson said when speaking to Irish-boxing.com.
“He’s now 4-0, so maybe get the 5-0 first. Me and Poddy [McCrory] will sit down with the big lad and then we’ll start making decisions after 5-0. But get the 5-0 first. I think another six-rounder and an experienced fighter who’s going to ask him questions would be the next step.”
It is a measured approach, but there is little doubt about the ambition behind it. Weston has already boxed over six rounds in his professional career and had prepared for another six-round assignment before his latest contest was reduced to four.
The change meant the Ulster Hall appearance offered less distance than originally anticipated, although the unbeaten fighter was still able to add valuable rounds to his record.
“Definitely, I want to be pushing up to six and eight next,” he said. “My last fight was six, and I originally thought this fight was going to be six as well. I’d put the training camp in for a six-round fight, so I definitely want to be moving up.”
Weston is title eligible, and with domestic fighters meeting earlier than at any period in recent history, a title shot is attainable. However, his coach would like one more transition bout before a title push.
“We need someone who’s maybe going to give him something to work off rather than someone who’s just going to stand there with their hands up, because it’s a bit of a nightmare. They’re very hard stylistic opponents to look good against.
“I know his ability. He’s got the talent, and we know he’s got it in the locker. It’s just getting the right standard of opponent to show it.”
