Preston boxer Scott Fitzgerald makes hero's return to Deepdale to parade British title belt

Fitzgerald showed off his British super welterweight title belt at Deepdale during half-time.

The 27-year-old beat Ted Cheeseman in Newcastle a week last Saturday to win the title – he triumphed against his London opponent on an unanimous points decision after a gruelling 12-rounder.

North End presented him with a PNE home shirt with ‘14-0’ on the back – his record as a pro fighter.

Addressing the Deepdale crowd, Fitzgerald said he had been enjoying a break since his victory over Cheeseman.

“I’ve been eating a lot of food and been out once or twice but not too much,” said Fitzgerald, who started out at Larches and Savick ABC.

“Hopefully there will be a TV fight next year and I can work towards that.”

Fitzgerald appearing on the pitch did prove to be a lucky omen.

North End were 2-0 down at half-time but roared back in the second half to win 3-2.

The boxer was keen to point that out when he posted his thanks to North End on social media after the game.

And he also looked back at a previous visit to Deepdale.

Fitzgerald wrote: “I walked round the pitch once before in 2014 and that year we got promoted.”

It’s been a good 2019 for Fitzgerald. He beat Anthony Fowler in Liverpool over 10 rounds in March, setting him up to fight Cheeseman.

As well as defending the British title, Fitzgerald wants a bout with Blackpool’s Brian Rose.

They were due to meet in Manchester in July but a hand injury forced Fitzgerald to pull out.