Philip Sutcliffe Jr, 26, will compete in his tenth professional fight against Frenchman Alexandre Lepelley at the National Stadium on Queensberry Promotion’s ‘Clash of the Clans’ show on Saturday night.
Speaking to Fightstore Media after the press conference, the unbeaten Sutcliffe was in a relaxed mood as he discussed his upcoming bout.
“This is a big fight for me,” claimed Sutcliffe. “This guy that I’m fighting pulled out last year because he got a chance at a European title and he (withdrew) last minute. He has an impressive record. He took Ricky Burns eight rounds in London. He’s going to come to fight. It’s even better that it’s in the Stadium.”
The Dubliner, who has fought many times at the home of Irish boxing, but never as a pro, feels confident of putting on an exciting display.
He said: “I have never been in a bad fight in the Stadium in my life. You will see that on Saturday night.”
A life in the unforgiving world of boxing was always on the agenda for the junior-welterweight.
He explained: “My Da was a two-time Olympian, twice bronze medallist and five time senior champion and all my uncles were senior champions so it was always in my family.”
Being in your 20’s whilst fighting professionally is tough, according to Sutcliffe, as he revealed that he has lost friends because of sacrifices endured through the sport. However, he asserted that it is all worth it.
Sutcliffe Jr was inspired by Prince Naseem Hamed growing up. “His finesse and how he was able to punch with both hands was impressive, he hit hard for a little guy, he was a favourite of mine,” he said.
Asked about his aspirations for the year ahead, Sutcliffe had this to say, “We were looking for more rounds on this show but obviously I’m not MGM so they wouldn’t give it. After this we are looking at a WBC intercontinental title and hopefully the European title.”
For those who haven’t seen Sutcliffe perform before, he described what fans at the Stadium or those watching on BoxNation can expect at the weekend in his six-round contest.
He stated: “I can box, fight, both inside and outside. I can stand toe to toe. I change it up depending on whatever’s happening on the night.”
On the world scene, Sutcliffe believes Amir Khan fighting Canelo Alvarez will result in a punishing night for the Englishman.
“Khan is desperate for a big fight and Canelo is the wrong one. I can’t see him going past four rounds with Canelo,” Sutcliffe added.
We ended the interview by discussing what will be the outcome on Saturday night.
Sutcliffe confidently concluded: “I watched him (Lepelley) fight for his European title after he pulled out against me and I’ve seen a few clips on Youtube. He’s fairly decent. He has eighteen wins, five losses and one draw. He’s only been stopped once. But twice now come this Saturday.”
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[…] Dublin. After the proceedings, I exited the building satisfied, having just interviewed boxer Philip Sutcliffe Jr. I strolled happily from the hotel, and headed home to file […]