Appleyard in peak shape for make-or-break contest

A tilt at the vacant Commonwealth Title is the prize for the winner of tomorrow's bill-topper at the Doncaster Dome and Appleyard doesn't intend letting the opportunity pass.

The Bramley fighter has four defeats on his record, against 14 victories, but has gained fresh impetus since stepping up to super lightweight earlier this year.

And Appleyard (30), the former English lightweight champion, is confident he has the strength, as well as the staying power, to inflict a first professional defeat on his unbeaten rival from Rochdale.

“All the hard work is done,” said Lee, who has been licked into shape by trainer Ray Doyle at Stefy Bull's gym at Denaby.

“When I boxed Sean Dodd, I did 12 rounds at a high pace at a few weeks notice. I have never been this fit before and I could do 15 rounds, genuinely.

“We've been sparring ten rounds with only 30 seconds rest, no sitting down, and it's been no problem at all. We're prepared for a ten-round fight basically.

“I want bigger things. I've won an English title and I want a Commonwealth and British and I need to beat this lad to get to that stage.

“In some ways it is make or break for me because it pushes me to where I want to get to. Losing it, I would have to think about having to re-build again and I've done that three or four times. I'm at my best and we ain't losing, I can tell you that.

“We've done all we needed to do and it's time to put on a good performance now.

The fight is being covered by Boxing King Media. Doors open at 6.30pm and tickets will be available up to showtime.

Added Lee: “If I do everything I've done in training in the fight then it will be a comfortable win for me.”

Full story in this week's Advertiser