Leading the return of domestic fight action next month, Brad Foster’s primary focus is on winning British boxing’s most prized possession.
On July 10 at the BT Sport studios in Stratford, London, Foster defends his British and Commonwealth 122lbs crowns against the unbeaten James Beech – just one notch away from earning that handsome Lonsdale Belt outright, having previously won defences against Ashley Lane and Lucien Reid (with whom he drew previously).
“It is fantastic for me to go first with me [after] being the last to [fight] on February 22 [halting Reid on a sixth-round retirement],” said Foster (12-0-2, 5 KOs). “It is great and it keeps me busy so it is all good and I am looking forward to it.
“I was buzzing when I heard. I’d been ticking over well during lockdown because there was nothing else to do really, I was training myself, getting the runs and bike rides in. Now I can train properly.
“Winning the belt to keep is my motivation and it has been a goal of mine so I am looking forward to this fight and getting the win. The pressure is on for this one because it is the most important one. I’ve got to get in there and do the business.
“I know James Beech and he is a good, game fighter and twice Midlands champion at higher weights. So, he is going to be strong and I know he is a tough lad. I will have to be on my A-game.”
Beech (12-0, 2 KOs) has won Midlands Area titles at 126lbs and 130lbs so will bring natural strength as well as an unbeaten record.
“This is a massive opportunity for me. I’d like to thank Frank Warren and BCB for the opportunity,” he said. “This is a chance to change mine and my family’s life. I will be 100% ready come July 10.”
place next month, live on BT Sport.
Rising star and WBO European super-welterweight champion Hamzah Sheeraz (10-0, 6 KOs) will also appear on the July 10 show with a defence against Dundee’s Paul Kean (12-1, 1 KO).
“I am really chuffed to be on first because if you look at most boxers they are not getting the opportunity to fight at any level,” said Sheeraz, from Ilford. “This being a big show as well and the first one back, a Frank Warren show, too, so I am looking forward to it and training hard as ever.
“I am ready to go as it has been a long time. There will probably be about 10 times more eyes on the fights than there normally is because, at a time like this, everybody needs a bit of entertainment – and what is more entertaining than watching two fellas punch each other in the face on TV?
“Even though it might not seem there are 10 times more people watching when we are in there, they will be and it will be a buzz.”
The show will also feature heavyweight hope and former Tyson Fury sparring partner David Adeleye, Portsmouth lightweight Mark Chamberlain and another unbeaten heavy Dorin Krasmaru.
Last week, Frank Warren and Queensberry Promotions announced a series of fight events over the summer, live on BT Sport, with British title battles playing a leading role in the sport’s return. Forthcoming events will feature the British super-featherweight clash between Anthony Cacace and Lyon Woodstock as well as the super-middleweight encounter between Lerrone Richards and Umar Sadiq on dates to be confirmed.
Main image: Press Association.