Ismail Anwar aims to make his experience of fighting hot prospects on their own turf pay off when he takes on Marcus Ffrench for the vacant British Masters Bronze lightweight title on Saturday.
The Huddersfield hopeful fights Ffrench at Villa Park, the scene of the Birmingham man’s Masters Bronze triumph over Reading’s Ibrar Riyaz at light-welterweight in September.
“I am really motivated to beat Marcus,” said Anwar, 23, who will be taking part in his 11th professional fight and seeking a fifth win.
“My trainer Chris Aston has helped me a lot by arranging sparring sessions and I thank him for setting up all the extra work I have been doing.”
Anwar believes taking on up and coming talents instead of more seasoned fighters is more useful in the long run, even if it means defeats are chalked up on his card.
He explained: “I fight prospects when other boxers fight journeymen. I’m learning with each bout.
“I don’t class a win against someone who is just coming to get paid as that worthwhile because passion for the sport is a must in my opinion.
“When I beat Robbie Barrett and Jamie Sampson they were wins against prospects on their own shows.
“My losses have all been close calls against good prospects. Never have I been dismantled and beaten up.”
Anwar has no worries about facing 32-year-old Ffrench in front of his own fans, adding: “That never make me nervous.
“I have had crowd abuse at amateur level when people watching are drinking and can’t handle their excitement, so I know how to deal with it.”
Anwar has been passionate about boxing from an early age, and even the other love of his life won’t keep him from the sport!
“She can try but she won’t stop me walking through those ropes,” he smiled.
