Sam Stokes unfazed by opponent switch
Basildon’s light heavyweight, Sam Stokes 1-0-0 is now facing a new opponent in Edgars Sniedze 1(1)-7(1)-0 on November 21 at the Camden Centre, Kings Cross.
The original opponent lined up for fledgling pro, Sam Stokes 1-0-0 was Lithuanian, Ernestas Dapkus in what would have been the 29-year-old super middleweight’s second visit to London after losing on points to Manny Muhamed last August at the York Hall. Dapkus was unavailable for the date when it came to putting pen to paper.
Stand-in opponent, Latvian middleweight, Edgars Sniedze has only been stopped once in his eight pro fights to date at the hands of unbeaten Irish middleweight, Luke Keeler 6(4)-0-0 in February this year at the National Stadium in Dublin. Of his new opponent, Stokes said, “I know that he’s been quite active over here, he hasn’t had much luck but he hasn’t been stopped.”
When questioned on the alteration Stokes further commented, “The training routine and mind-set has stayed the same despite the switch. I’m focused and just picking it up in the last couple of weeks now.”
This will be Stokes’ second pro outing following a successful debut win over the Czech Republic’s Josef Obeslo 5(3)-18(2)-2 in July this year at the same venue, the Camden Centre. Winning all four rounds with a 40-36 points score, the 24-year-old Essex boy is now looking to start notching up the wins in order to challenge for titles in the not too distant future.
Stokes said, “I want to notch up the wins this year then in 2015 I would definitely be looking towards a Masters title; end of the year – Southern Area. Just one step at a time and I know that I’ll get there.” Stokes would have preferred to be entering into his third contest by now but suffered a minor setback with a head injury caused in sparring in September. The diagnosed concussion kept the light heavyweight out of training for a month.
The combined Mark Prior Promotions and Hellraiser Promotions show is still being finalised by promoter, Mickey Helliet but has already confirmed the fighters appearing on the bill.
All eyes will be on debutant, Jordan Smith hailing from the Peacock Gym in London. The 21-year-old is a fearless flyweight standing at 5 feet 10 inches tall and has spent the last few weeks sparring with English welterweight champ, Ahmet Patterson.
Oxfordshire cruiserweight, Michael Lobb 1-0-0 and welterweight Joe Hayes 1-0-0 from Bournemouth all look to double their win ratios after successfully launching their pro careers at the same venue last summer.
Super bantamweight, Junior Saaed 1-0-0 will be making his third pro outing on this show as he fights on October 23rd in Park Lane Hotel as well. Super middleweight, Darryll Williams 7(1)-0-0 will look to extend his unbeaten run as the 24-year-old from Forest Hill, currently ranked in the top 40, continues his measured climb up the rankings. Southpaw, George Michael Carman 15-1-1 enters into his 18th contest in almost five years as a pro and still only 22-years-old.
Thatcham’s unbeaten cruiserweight, Marley Churcher 2(1)-0-0 makes his return to the ring after exactly one year’s absence fighting last on November 22nd when he defeated Mario Lakatos on points. Exciting light heavyweight Yasin Basar 3(1)-0-0 looks to carry on the blistering impetus set so far in his pro career as he embarks on his fourth fight in four months. Welterweight Tommy Tear 3-0-0 looks to round off his first year as a pro with a fourth straight win.
Middlewight, Myles Cash 2(1)-0-0 fights for the first time this year after a 16 month hiatus from the square ring fighting last in June 2013 as he made short work of Danny Brown at the York Hall with a first round TKO. Prizefighter finalist, Dale Evans 8(3)-1-2 looks to edge ever closer to entering the top 10 in the welterweight division as he embarks upon his 12th pro fight. The Bulgarian from Barnet, Angel Banev 2-0-0 looks to continue his unbeaten run in the light middleweight division. Hard-hitting heavyweight prospect, Dillian Whyte 9(6)-0-0 will be guaranteed to bring excitement to the show with six of his last seven fights ending in a KO victory for the aptly named Brixton ‘Villain’.
Tickets are priced at £35 for standard and £70 for ringside and are available directly from Team Stokes on 07908 862769.
To follow Sam Stokes on Twitter click here @samnojokesstokes
Team Stokes would like to thank sponsors, Stubbins and Sons Building & Construction, Fisk Fire Group, and PR Manager Tim Rickson.