Meli ready to start ‘big year’ with a bang

ALFREDO Meli is ready to start and big year with a big win in the Red Cow this coming Friday.

The Belfast middleweight takes on Valentin Stoychev, a fighter who has twice fought in Ireland against Micheal McLaughlin and Stephen Ormond, over eight rounds on the undercard of a massive fight for Phillip Sutcliffe Jr in Dublin.

Meli has been earmarked as one to watch by those in the know, but has yet to grab the attention of the casual fan and that is something he aims to change in 2015.

The 24 year old told the Belfast Newsletter his first fight since November last will bring the first of many wins in 2015.

“This is my first fight of 2015 and I am looking forward to it. It is also my first eight rounder – so that will be something new for me,” said Meli.

“I have not looked at my opponent and I will work him out on the night.

“Training and preparation has gone well and I hope to get another win on my record on Friday night. This should be a big year for me and I have to get it up and running with a win on Friday night,” he added.