Sam Maxwell relishing extra time with new trainer
Sam Maxwell (15-0, 11 KOs) says the delay to his big fight against Akeem Ennis-Brown has worked in his favour.
Gloucester’s Akeem Ennis-Brown (14-0, 1 KO) was due to defend his British and Commonwealth Super-Lightweight titles against Maxwell in March, but pulled out injured days before they were due to meet.
He will now make the first defence of his titles against Maxwell at Utilita Arena, Birmingham on Saturday August 28, live on BT Sport.
Maxwell had to be content with a non-title points win over Ben Fields when Ennis-Brown pulled out, but he couldn’t be happier.
He joined Manchester trainer Steve Maylett shortly before their clash was scheduled giving them little time together.
Maxwell explained: “It was a blessing in disguise that Akeem pulled out. I was a bit gutted at the time because it was my first top of the bill and I was ready to go.
“But, I’d only had five weeks with Steve. I’d been doing stuff with Danny Vaughan and on my own.
“Now I have had five months with Steve and it has worked out for me well.
“Steve told me that had it been anybody else with five weeks’ notice for a British title fight he wouldn’t have taken them on.
“He did because he’d known me well for 15 years and I used to go to the gym and spar with Terry Flanagan. Steve realised I needed something. He knew me and liked me so he took me on.
“When I first went to him and the fight was around the corner, Steve said; ‘I can give you tactics, tell you how I want to fight and get you fit for 12 rounds’.
“That is all we focused on for those few weeks. Now we have a long time to get things right with the game plan. I know if I follow that through I will win this fight.
“Steve is a really good tactician and what he wants is going to work. It is about me following orders and making sure I deliver on fight night.”
“I am very good at the basics, a very good technical boxer. That has got me where I am and I can punch. I am going to perform and I can’t wait to show everyone.”
Big time boxing returns to Birmingham on Saturday August 28.
Former World title challenger Anthony Yarde (20-2, 19 KOs) returns in a ten round Light-Heavyweight clash ahead of his rematch against Lyndon Arthur.
Akeem Ennis-Brown (14-0, 1 KO) will risk his British and Commonwealth Super-Lightweight championships against Liverpool’s former amateur superstar Sam Maxwell (15-0, 11 KOs).
Belfast’s Anthony Cacace (18-1, 7 KOs) defends his British Super-Featherweight crown against Lyon Woodstock (12-2, 5 KOs).
In a fantastic rematch local fighter Ijaz Ahmed (8-2) faces Quaise Khademi (8-1, 2 KOs) for the vacant British Super-Flyweight championship in a battle that is also a Commonwealth title final eliminator.
When they met over ten rounds in February, Ijaz snatched a majority decision in a sensational fight.
Stoke Middleweight Heaney (12-0, 4 KOs) will have his raucous army behind him when he boxes a ten rounder in his third fight under the Queensberry banner.
Telford’s Liam Davies (9-0, 4 KOs), alongside fellow Midlander George Bance (1-0, 1 KO). Nottingham's Ezra Taylor (1-0, 1 KO) and Northampton's Super-Lightweight Eithan James (5-0).
Dublin’s Willo Hayden. a training partner of Conor McGregor, makes his professional debut in a four round Super-Lightweight contest.
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