Luke looking for a July title defence
BOXING SHELDAN KEAY
ACCRINGTON boxer Luke Blackledge is set to return to the ring next month as he looks to continue his good run of form.
Since being stopped by Rocky Fielding at the Manchester Arena in November 2013, Blackledge has won seven straight fights, including a Commonwealth title victory against Liam Cameron in April 2015.
The 25-year-old is now eager to get back in action as soon as possible and hopes to have another Commonwealth title defence on the horizon.
“I spoke to my manager Steve Wood yesterday and he’s looking to get me out in July or September in another title defence,” he said. “If the title defence isn’t in July then I’ll probably get a run out on July 16 anyway in just a six or eight rounder, and then defend my belt in September.”
Blackledge’s last victory came last month when he stopped Ishmael Tetteh, on the same bill that rival Vijender Singh defeated Andrzej Soldra.
A fight between Blackledge and Singh was touted to be happening next, but Singh will instead face Kerry Hope during his homecoming fight in India.
Despite missing out on the chance to face Singh on this occasion, Blackledge has no problem fighting the former amateur star in the near future.
“Kerry Hope is a good 50/50 fight for him and if he can come past that test then I’m happy to fight him,” he said.
“It would be a massive fight but I won’t be going to India to fight him, it will have to be in the UK.”
Blackledge fights under the watchful eye of Alex Matvienko, and the trainer has been happy with the improvements Blackledge has made in recent fights.
“We’ve got a good team here at the gym and we’re putting a lot of effort into Luke,” said Matvienko.
“If he does well then it looks good on us but if he