Boxer Lee Appleyard goes full circle in win-or-bust title fight

Appleyard came up short against Chris Conwell, from Manchester, at the Doncaster Dome on September 3, 2016.

And in a strange quirk of fate, the Rotherham fighter will step into the ring tomorrow at the same venue against another Manchester opponent, Dan Booth.

“I've come full circle and this time I intend to win,” said Lee, who now campaigns at super lightweight.

It will be Appleyard's fight since losing a points decision to Cori Gibbs in a televised Boxxer show at the Liverpool Arena last autumn.

At 35, opponent Booth is a year older but has had only seven pro fights, winning six of them — three by KO.

He's a dangerous opponent but Appleyard, who still has designs on the British or Commonwealth belt, lives the life and is ready.

“I'm in cracking shape, probably one of the best I have ever been. I have had ten months out since I last fought and I have been in the gym ticking over nicely,” he said.

“I don't go into any fight thinking I am going to lose and I think my experience will be enough to out-do him.”

Appleyard will be trying to be a three-weight champion after winning a British Masters belt at super-featherweight and the English lightweight title.

And Lee promised: “If I don't win this fight then I will walk away.

“I have plenty in me but if I have an ambition to win a British or a Commonwealth title, I have to be beating this kid.”