Kudus vows to seize chance

BIOLA KUDUS promised he's ready to grab his chance to move up the boxing ladder.
Biola Kudus, centre, with, from left, Darren Hamilton, trainer Barry Smith and manager Spencer Fearon Picture: Mick YoungBiola Kudus, centre, with, from left, Darren Hamilton, trainer Barry Smith and manager Spencer Fearon Picture: Mick Young
Biola Kudus, centre, with, from left, Darren Hamilton, trainer Barry Smith and manager Spencer Fearon Picture: Mick Young

The Leigh Park cruiserweight takes a step up in quality when he tackles Peterborough’s Karl Wheeler in London tonight.

It’s the 30-year-old’s first test against an opponent coming for victory after building a 5-0 winning record in the pro ranks.

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It proved a tense weigh-in in Essex yesterday ahead of the clash at the home of British boxing.

Kudus came in at 14st 1lb, comfortably inside the 14st 4lb limit for his division.

He feels he is going in as underdog against his 10-6-1 rival.

But the popular ticket seller knows a decent success will see him push towards a possible Southern Area title shot

Kudus said: ‘I’m fully focused on what I need to do.

‘The whole weigh-in was heated and a lot was said.

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‘If I win this fight I can move on to bigger and better things.

‘But, at the same time, he wants to take my 0.

‘In a way I’m the underdog in this fight and I’m going to relish that.

‘I’m not fazed by being the underdog. I’ve been here before.

‘I was a 14-bouter beating a 50-plus bouter in the ABAs as an amateur.

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‘It’s a step up and an opportunity for me to show what I’m about.

‘So I’m going to go out there and show my boxing skills and what I can do.

‘I need to be dealing with Karl Wheeler. Getting the win is crucial.’

Kudus believes he will go into the contest in his best-ever shape after a smooth training camp.

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Sparring with the likes of Ovill McKenzie, Frank Buglioni, Steve Collins Jr and Isaac Chamberlain have sharpened his skills in London.

And Colin Williams has been keeping the Barry-Smith trained talent ticking over at the Mountbatten Centre in Portsmouth.

Kudus added: ‘All the training and hard work is done.

‘I’ve had tremendous sparring in this camp. I’m in the best shape.’

Meanwhile, the quarter-finals of the England Boxing Junior Championships take place tomorrow.

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Southern Counties will be taking on their rivals from London and Easter Counties in Kent.

Team Wiseman will be well stocked for the next round after enjoying success at the last stage.

Tyler Hallawell (48kg), Jason Stanley (50kg) and Bailey Donald (58kg) have all picked up Southern Counties titles.

Coach Daron Wiseman said: ‘Tyler has good experience and has boxed for England.

‘Bailey has a good boxing brain and is composed Jason has good experience behind him.

‘We’ve got a good team here.’