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Luke Paddock: Anto Upton will be the toughest fight of my career

Luke Paddock [14(1)-1(0)] admits that his showdown with Belfast Anthony Upton is the biggest fight of his career so far.

The Bloxwich light welterweight fights the Ricky Hatton-trained 24 year old for the vacant English title in Cannock, near Wallsall, on Sunday July 24th.

The two slick 140lbers meet at Chase Leisure Centre next month on a joint Black Country Boxing and Hatton Promotions bill next month, and Paddock expects a tough encounter with the youngest Upton brother [12(4)-1(0)].

“This is the biggest test for me.” he told www.uko-boxing.com.

“Training is going well but it’s got to because Anthony is a good kid. He’s a similar fighter to me; he’s very stylish and likes to use his boxing skills to break opponents down.”

“I’ve got to focus on what I’m doing in the gym. Our styles and records are almost identical.”

“We’ve both got one loss on our record and we both want this title more than anything. We’re both confident of getting the win so time will tell.”

“It reminds me of when I fought Josh McLaren for the Midlands Area Title. We were both undefeated at that time and both seen as prospects. I got the win that time and I plan to have my hand raised again on July 24th.”

“The English title is a massive belt. Imagine bringing that back to Bloxwich? It’s what dreams are made of.”

“It’s a fight that’s captured the imagination. Everywhere I go people are talking to me about it. When I’m on my runs or walking the dog; people stop me and ask about it. It’s a big fight between two young and hungry fighters.”

The winner must make their first defence against Joe Hughes – who defeated Upton last December for the belt. Hughes has been given the mandatory position for the strap following his WBO Intercontinental title defeat to Jack Catterall last month which required him to relinquish the English title.

Joe O'Neill

Reporting on Irish boxing the past five years. Work has appeared on irish-boxing.com, Boxing News, the42.ie, and local and national media. Provide live ringside updates, occasional interviews, and special features on the future of Irish boxing. email: joneill6@tcd.ie

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