SAM MAXWELL says the delay to his big fight against Akeem Ennis-Brown has worked in his favour.
Gloucester’s Ennis-Brown (14-0, 1 KO) was due to defend his British and Commonwealth Super-Lightweight titles against Maxwell in March, but pulled out injured days before they were due to meet.
He will now make the first defence of his titles against Maxwell (15-0, 11 KOs) at Utilita Arena, Birmingham on Saturday August 28, live on BT Sport.
Maxwell had to be content with a non-title points win over Ben Fields when Ennis-Brown pulled out, but he couldn’t be happier.
He joined Manchester trainer Steve Maylett shortly before their clash was scheduled giving them little time together.
Maxwell explained: “It was a blessing in disguise that Akeem pulled out. I was a bit gutted at the time because it was my first top of the bill and I was ready to go.
“But, I’d only had five weeks with Steve. I’d been doing stuff with Danny Vaughan and on my own.
“Now I have had five months with Steve and it has worked out for me well.
“Steve told me that had it been anybody else with five weeks’ notice for a British title fight he wouldn’t have taken them on.
“He did because he’d known me well for 15 years and I used to go to the gym and spar with Terry Flanagan. Steve realised I needed something. He knew me and liked me so he took me on.
“When I first went to him and the fight was around the corner, Steve said; ‘I can give you tactics, tell you how I want to fight and get you fit for 12 rounds’.
“That is all we focused on for those few weeks. Now we have a long time to get things right with the game plan. I know if I follow that through I will win this fight.
“Steve is a really good tactician and what he wants is going to work. It is about me following orders and making sure I deliver on fight night.”
“I am very good at the basics, a very good technical boxer. That has got me where I am and I can punch. I am going to perform and I can’t wait to show everyone.”
Big time boxing returns to Birmingham on Saturday August 28.
Former World title challenger Anthony Yarde (20-2, 19 KOs) returns in a ten round Light-Heavyweight clash ahead of his rematch against Lyndon Arthur.
Akeem Ennis-Brown (14-0, 1 KO) will risk his British and Commonwealth Super-Lightweight championships against Liverpool’s former amateur superstar Sam Maxwell (15-0, 11 KOs).
Belfast’s Anthony Cacace (18-1, 7 KOs) defends his British Super-Featherweight crown against Lyon Woodstock (12-2, 5 KOs).
In a fantastic rematch local fighter Ijaz Ahmed (8-2) faces Quaise Khademi (8-1, 2 KOs) for the vacant British Super-Flyweight championship in a battle that is also a Commonwealth title final eliminator.
When they met over ten rounds in February, Ijaz snatched a majority decision in a sensational fight.
Stoke Middleweight Heaney (12-0, 4 KOs) will have his raucous army behind him when he boxes a ten rounder in his third fight under the Queensberry banner.
Telford’s Liam Davies (9-0, 4 KOs), alongside fellow Midlander George Bance (1-0, 1 KO). Nottingham’s Ezra Taylor (1-0, 1 KO) and Northampton’s Super-Lightweight Eithan James (5-0).
Dublin’s Willo Hayden. a training partner of Conor McGregor, makes his professional debut in a four round Super-Lightweight contest.
Tickets are available now – click here
A Hospitality – £283.75
B – £170.75
C – £114.25
D – £86.00
E – £57.75
