CRUISERWEIGHT Joe Sheriff is ready to build on his positive start to life as a professional boxer when he returns to the ring in the Black Country this weekend.
The 27-year-old made an impressive start to life as a professional after beating Welshman Jamie Ambler on points on his debut in Bedworth back in September.
And Sheriff, who defied all odds to recover from a stabbing in Las Vegas two years ago while on holiday, will be hoping to carry on where he left off when he takes on Lincoln’s Mitch Mitchell at Walsall Town Hall on Saturday.
“I’m enjoying my time as a professional.” Sheriff told www.uko-boxing.com. “I’m training hard and working towards my goals.
“I really enjoyed my debut. Fighting Jamie Ambler could have been a banana skin on my pro debut as he’s a tough, awkward customer.
“We knew from studying him that he tries to tire you out in the second half of the fight.
“I set a high pace from the start and although he tried to come on strong from the third round, I was able to pick up the pace again and l I was happy with my performance.”
Sheriff reached the ABA Novice Class B Final in 2011 after a successful 29-bout amateur career with Red Corner ABC in Wyken.
And despite admitting to knowing little about his latest opponent, Sheriff is determined to take another victory after a positive training camp.
He added: “Training has gone well for this fight. I’ve been doubling the rounds in sparring, doing lots of track work and having done some work with a new strength work.
“I haven’t watched too much of Mitch Mitchell but what I’ve seen from him, he’s a tough kid who likes to start fast.
“If that’s the case then it will work in my favour as I’ll look to exchange with him early and land as he opens up.
“I’m looking forward to boxing in Walsall as its away from home and out my comfort zone. I perform better when I’m out my comfort zone and with a good support from my Coventry-based fans, I’m ready to put on a good display.”
Tickets for the event are priced at £30 and £50 Ringside. They are available from Walsall Town Hall Box Office on 0845 111 2900.
