Shayne Singleton insists he wants to be challenged ahead of the biggest fight of his career against Tyrone Nurse.
The 23-year-old is on the bill at the Reebok Stadium on July 20th in preparation for the first defence of his BBBofC English light welterweight title at Bowler’s Arena in September.
A six-round contest next month should be a breeze for a fighter who held off the persistent Curtis Woodhouse for 10 rounds on Dave Coldwell’s show back in March. But Singleton doesn’t want a bout that will breed complacency, he wants an opponent to test him.
“I’ve still had nothing back yet,” said Singleton. “Giuseppe Lauri has been mentioned but nothing’s been confirmed. He’s a World and European champion so he’s done the business in boxing. He’s fought Ricky Hatton as well. It would be a great fight to get on my record because he’s had a great career.
“I need someone who is going to push me and test me. I need a fight that will prepare me for what’s ahead. It would be good to find an opponent with similar character and attributes to Tyrone Nurse because it means I’d be able to work on certain things. But I’m just hoping for a challenging contest.”
Singleton admits he won’t be taking Nurse lightly, but he’s hellbent on preserving his status as champion and his 100 per cent professional record.
“The fight in September will be the biggest one of my career so I need to be ready,” declared Singleton. “I’ve won the belt and now I’ve got to defend it.
“These next couple of months will define me as a fighter and determine the future of my career. I’m definitely not underestimating Tyrone because he’s a class act and his record speaks for itself.
“It’ll be technically and mentally challenging and I’ll probably be the underdog again but I know I’m going to defend my English title, I’m really confident. I just want to get back in the ring.”