Shafiq can't wait for Appleyard title scrap

FIGHTER Atif Shafiq says he can’t wait to take on Rotherham rival Lee Appleyard next month, as the two square up for a top title.
Atif Shafiq in actionAtif Shafiq in action
Atif Shafiq in action

The two go head-to-head at Sheffield Arena, part of the big Kell Brook bill, on March 3 with promoters currently working on confirming the title up for grabs.

It will be the biggest-ever bout between two Rotherham boxers and will be screened live on Sky TV.

And Shafiq says he’s sharper than ever.

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 “I’ve been working hard for a long time to get title opportunities like this. When I win I will hopefully get a world ranking and be able to push on to bigger and better thing this year,” he said.

Shafiq is currently based out in Fuerteventura, with trainer Dominic Ingle guiding him through camp alongside WBO World Middleweight Champion Billy Joe Saunders, Brook, rising stars Kid Galahad, Jason Quigley and Leigh Wood from the Ingle Camp.

Shafiq added, “Life is great out here in camp. We’re all learning and working hard and all looking good ahead of our scheduled fights."

There's much more on the bout in tomorrow's Advertiser.