Shropshire’s Mark Lloyd was today finalising preparations for the defining night of his boxing career .
The 32-year-old from Telford takes on Adnan Amar for the English welterweight title on a high-quality bill at the Nottingham Ice Arena which also features Junior Witter and Carl Froch, two of the hottest properties in domestic boxing.
Despite receiving the backing of around 200 Shropshire supporters who will make the trip to the East Midlands, Lloyd will have to overcome a boisterous home support who will be desperate for Brendan Ingle’s charge to land the belt.
But he is in ultra-confident mood after setting up base in Nottingham yesterday afternoon following the weigh-in.
“I’m not even contemplating defeat,” said Lloyd, a plumber by trade. “I am unbeaten in 10 as a professional and after tonight I think it will be 11 and 0.
“I know what I have to do and I can’t wait for the fight to start now.
“I know I have to keep the pressure on him because if you stand off and let him box he can make you look stupid.
“I’ve spoke to a few lads who have fought him before so I know what to expect.
“It would be great to finish it early but I think it will probably go the 10 rounds and I’m ready for that.”
Defeat would leave Lloyd facing a race against time to put himself back in a position to challenge for major titles.
But the Shifnal puncher is confident he will be in contention for a British title fight by the end of the year, should he dispose of Amar.
The fights involving Froch and Witter will be shown live on ITV1, with the pick of the undercard - which features Lloyd - highlighted on ITV4 from 9pm.
l Lloyd will not be the only Shropshire boxer in action at Nottingham tonight.
Telford’s Kieran Gray will be involved in his first professional contest when the 30-year-old takes on Sheffield’s Lee Duncan.
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