Boxer Lee Appleyard eyes Continental title

The Bramley fighter takes on Scotland's Ahmed Mweva at the Barnsley Metrodome on March 20 in what will be his first fight since a good points win over the durable Ben Fields at the same venue last November.

Since losing an all-Rotherham showdown to Atif Shafiq at the Sheffield Arena a couple of years ago, Appleyard has stepped up in weight and won four of his six fights.

His extra comfort campaigning at super lightweight will be tested by 28-year-old Mweva. The Glaswegian has won 13 of his 16 pro contests and his last seven on the spin but has fought only once outside his native Scotland.

Trainer Ray Doyle said: “Lee is coming off the back of a win against a good kid who was on the road as a journeyman but ended up stopping a lot of undefeated kids and got himself into contention.

“We took the contest and it was an absolutely amazing fight at Barnsley. Lee got back to winning ways and it was against a good, credible opponent.”

Appleyard, a former English Lightweight champion, is based at Stefy Bull's gym at Denaby, also the base for newly crowned WBC World Super Featherweight champion Terri Harper.

“Lee's a big help towards Terri,” added Ray.

“He's got the experience and he's always pushing her and helping her along on her runs in the mornings. He has got the champion's mindset.

“The pool is a lot deeper for the males, obviously, compared to the female side, but I'm hoping Lee can dig this one out and pick up the Continental belt.

“It would be another proud night for himself, the family and the gym.”