Commonwealth Title shot incentive for Appleyard

Appleyard meets the well-rated Rochdale fighter at the Doncaster Dome with a crack at the vacant Commonwealth super lightweight belt on offer for the winner.

It's a big opportunity for Rotherham's former English lightweight champion who took the decision to step up a weight after his loss to local rival Atif Shafiq back in March.

Appleyard has since reeled off a couple of routine wins but knows that a victory on Saturday will boost his standing in the division.

“It's a great fight, an eliminator for the Commonwealth Title and a Central Area title fight. We're really excited for it, I can't really ask for much more,” said the Bramley man.

“It's not in my own town but it is a home show. I'm topping the bill and it's being covered like by Boxing King Media.

“It's against a good, undefeated kid so a win really puts me right into the mix.”

“He is supposed to be a good prospect and he's tall as well, 6ft 2in,” added Lee, trained at Stefy Bull's Denaby gym by Ray Doyle

“Calibre wise, the kids he has boxed have not been the best of fighters but he stepped up against an undefeated boxer (Ashley Peyton) who was 10 and 0 himself, and knocked him out in Round Eight. But, again, that opponent had not really fought anyone of note himself so you can't read too much into that either.

“It's a bit like Atif, he had not really boxed anyone and you don't know how good they are until you're in with them but I have more experience than Rehman. We are very positive.”

Tiered and balcony tickets remain for the show, available from Lee on 07795 574917.

More on the fight in Friday's Advertiser.