Trawden boxer Shayne’s eyes on the prize

The talented 23-year-old boxer, who recently claimed the International Masters belt, is gunning for a shot at the BBBofC British light welterweight title, currently occupied by Bristol’s Darren Hamilton, early in 2013.

Hamilton, who defeated Ashley Theophane to take the title in May, had been scheduled to face Merseyside’s Steve Williams for the first defence of his belt but injury scuppered any opportunity for that bout to go ahead.

Williams beat Karl Place with a second round stoppage in a title eliminator at Wigan’s Robin Park Centre just over a year ago, landing him a lucrative stab at the British number three, and while that contest is set to be rescheduled in the near future, Singleton is already being touted as a challenger for the victor.

“I can’t wait for next year, it’s going to be good,” beamed Singleton.

“I can’t look too far ahead just yet but there’s already talk of a British title in early 2013.

“I got offered a fight against Steve Williams, asking if I’d be willing to put my title on the line.

“Unfortunately I hadn’t been in the gym long enough or had enough preparation to be ready for a 10 round fight against somebody of his ability.

“It wasn’t the right step to take at the time.

“There’s no need to rush anything at the moment.

“If I get a few more outings under my belt, and Williams beats Hamilton, then I could be his first defence of the title.”

Singleton added: “It makes me want it more knowing that my name is being put forward for these titles.

“I’m getting my name out there so it’s all going to plan.”

But under the watchful eye of coach Karl Ince, Singleton has grown in to a level-headed, composed and methodical thinker, refusing to allow success get to his head.

Talk of a prestigious British title shot could prove a major distraction to many in the industry, a burden to their development and progression, but “The Pain” has been fully focussed on getting the job done in his latest outing, which was scheduled for tonight.

He was due to face Joel Ryan at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, looking to maintain his 100% professional record in his 14th contest.

However, the fight has been cancelled because of financial problems with the show.

He said: “I’m gutted in a big way - seven weeks of hard graft, and time and money gone to waste.

“But we are ending the year on a high after becoming the international masters champion.

“It’s a fresh start next year and hopefully I can become the British champion sometime in 2013.”

Singleton had been keenly anticipating the bout: “This was going to be another good stepping stone for me.

“He’s a natural welterweight boxer who has won four of his seven contests.

“I don’t know much about him but he was only beaten on points in his last fight for the International Masters title.

“I’d hoped that my experience and record would shine through.”