Shayne ready to fly the nest after taking WBC belt!

Fight fans may get their last glimpse of unbeaten pro boxer Shayne Singleton at Colne Muni tonight, as the former English light welterweight champion prepares to spread his wings.
By Dan Black
Published 11th Apr 2014, 15:00 BST
Champion boxer: Shayne Singleton faces the fight of his life at Colne MuniChampion boxer: Shayne Singleton faces the fight of his life at Colne Muni
Champion boxer: Shayne Singleton faces the fight of his life at Colne Muni

The ambitious 24-year-old conceded that his WBC International Silver title tilt could be his final appearance on home soil as he - alongside coach Karl Ince - prepares to broaden his horizons.

The ‘Barmy Army’ is set to be out in full force, with Singleton predicting that around 450 tickets will have been sold ahead of his showdown with hard-hitting Hungarian Laszlo Fazekas, who boasts 14 knockouts from 19 career wins.

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“This is going to be it now,” he said. “I’m moving on to the bigger stage. The season finishes in August so after that we’ll be seeking bigger things. There might be a British title shot or may be a defence of this WBC title. Everything is gearing towards the new season and progressing.

“I’m feeling great and I can’t wait for it. The place is going to be packed. The atmosphere is going to be electric. I’m going to do my bit - I’m going to beat him and take that belt.”

Singleton has endured a gruelling 12-week programme in preparation for this contest, including a meticulous gameplan devised to out-smart a southpaw opponent.

However, the welterweight fighter was dealt a huge blow when news surfaced that Spaniard Jose Del Rio had pulled out of the bout - despite going on to claim a points victory over Santos Medrano at the end of last month.

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Singleton, who beat Nicaraguan foe Medrano to land the International Masters title in 2012, said: “My opponent pulled out. I don’t know the reasons behind it so I was panicking like mad but within a couple of days they were able to find somebody else to fight. He’s won 19 contests with 14 knockouts so that clearly shows he’s got a punch on him. The WBC wouldn’t accept a few of the other opponents put forward, but they’re happy with this one.

“I’m not fighting a southpaw anymore. I’ve done an intense 12-week programme, putting together a game plan on how to beat a southpaw. But that’s boxing. I’m not going to let it affect me though because I’d prefer to fight an orthodox opponent anyway. We don’t know much about this lad, but we’ll work him out in the first round and take it from there.”

Also appearing tonight is Nelson boxer Atif Mushtaq who takes on Kristian Laight on the undercard.