Fitzgerald's ready to make up for lost time

Preston boxer Scott Fitzgerald is aiming to put a '˜bad year' behind him as he looks for major titles and belts over the forthcoming year.
Scott FitzgeraldScott Fitzgerald
Scott Fitzgerald

The 25-year-old light middleweight ace has endured a frustrating time in 2017 with a succession of injuries stalling his progress.

After getting the year off to a bright start with victory over Andrej Cepur at Preston Guild Hall in early March, respective finger and hip injuries kept him on the sidelines for four months.

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He was back in the ring earlier this month at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, impressing on his way to a second-round stoppage victory over Lithuania’s Raimonds Sniedze.

Now the Jennings Gym ace is hoping to kick on with his career and could potentially fight for an English title later this year.

He is primed to appear on a Matchroom Boxing show at the Liverpool Arena on September 30 – against an opponent yet to be confirmed.

And that could be followed by a possible title or eliminator bout at the Guild Hall – where he would top the bill.

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With a 100% win record from his first seven fights in the pro ranks, his promoter Eddie Hearn believes he has now served his apprenticeship and is ready to make the step up.

“Scott is close to completing his apprenticeship,” Hearn said.

“He has fought at the Liverpool Arena before and always bring some good support down from Preston.

“He is ready to get serious now and I’ve spoken to him and his manager Steve Woods, he is ready for a real test on September 30 and then move towards titles later this year.”

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The former Larches and Savick Amateur Boxing Club Fitzgerald concurred with Hearn about his future.

“I am really looking forward to being on this card,” Fitzgerald said.

“It’s been a bad year for me this year. I have had a few injuries and only fought twice.

“It is good to have 10 weeks now to get prepared and hopefully have a good challenge on September 30 – then start to step up and look for titles.”

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Meanwhile, JR Gym ace Lisa Whiteside has been stepping up her preparations for the forthcoming European Championships next month in Italy.

The former world silver medal winner has been on training camps in France and Germany over the past week.