Ahead of his big Commonwealth title showdown with Lee Markham tonight live on BoxNation, we caught up with UK super- middleweight contender Luke Blackledge.
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Speaking of how preparations have gone, Blackledge said:
“Mentally, I’ve prepared well everything’s gone perfect. Me and my trainer worked on a very good game plan. I needed a big fight on TV and, being on BoxNation, I couldn’t ask for anything bigger. It’s going to be a good fight tonight.
Physically, I’m prepared, I couldn’t done anything more, I haven’t left anything out and covered every angle. I’m by far the best shape I’ve ever been in. I’ve done everything by the book, just hope its a world class performance on the night.
Me and Markham both had a 10 week training camp so no excuses on the night. It should be a cracking fight, he wants what I’ve got and I don’t want to give him what I’ve got.
I’ve had a few niggles before but the injury never happened in a fight or the gym, happened outside so it’s an injury not in the boxing world but it’s all sorted now and that’s why training camp has gone so good.”
Lee Markham is a man who’s known for his toughness and durability. We asked Luke what type of fight he expects tonight at the Manchester Arena:
“To be honest, Markham did an interview a few days ago saying that he’s gonna’ knock me out so basically he told me his game plan – he’s gonna’ stick it on me and knock me out.
I think everything I’ve done over the 10 weeks will win the fight for me, the tactics, my fitness, game plan, it’s all gonna’ help.
If he thinks he’ll break me and knock me out, it’s what counts when you get in there and I cant switch off from this fight. I’m looking at this as a world title fight, I’ve got to beat him no matter what. I don’t need to knock him out, it’s what counts over the 12 rounds.”
Our chat concluded with a brief look at what might be next should he capture the Commonwealth strap tonight, including a possible fight with the popular Frank Buglioni.
Blackledge commented:
“To be honest, I’m not looking past this fight, I’m gonna’ deal with him tonight then sit down with my team and talk what’s next.
Buglioni should not even be thinking about me for a while, he just got a whipping the other day so he’s not even gonna’ be walking straight for a while.
I’ve seen Chudinov fight a few times and I knew he was gonna’ win. Frank showed a lot of heart but that’s all he showed, Chudinov is a hard fight for anyone so that’s why he’s world champion.”
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