By Ziad Chaudry
Penge’s Bradley Skeete is calling on his promoter Frank Warren to get him the bigger and challenging fights - with the British and European title top of the Battersea welterweight boxer’s wish list.
The 27-year-old successfully defended his WBO European title at SEE Arena, Wembley last Saturday after opponent Mark Thompson, 34, from Rochdale, was unable to continue early in the third round after dislocating his hip.
“This was a good fight for me but now I want better fights,” demands the former Earlsfield ABC representative Skeete who advances to 21 wins in 22 outings.
“I want big fights – there’s some great domestic fights out there for me and there’s great international fights out there as well.
“I’m asking for these fights, I want these good fights now and I’ve proved I’m ready for them.”
Skeete will particularly be taking keen interest in the all-Birmingham derby clash between British and Commonwealth champion Sam Eggington and Frankie Gavin on October 17.
He failed in his gallant attempt to take the titles off Gavin last November but the Battersea man is keen to settle score if the man known in the ring as ‘Mr Funtime’ succeeds at Birmingham Barclaycard Arena.
“I’d love to get the winner of that fight and I think whoever it is, it will be a great fight,” Skeete added.
But whoever wins on October 17, Warren, whose promotions are shown exclusively on his own television channel BoxNation, and rival promoter Eddie Hearn will either have to negotiate or go on purse bids before Skeete’s second British title attempt can be made.
Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, who are backed by Sky Sports, manages both the Birmingham boxers.
“I want to be British champion and I want to win it outright,” Skeete said.
“I definitely want to win the British and Commonwealth titles and then I think I can go in there now and win the European title.
“That’s a fight I want as well.
“Gianluca Branco is the European champion but I’m really confident of that fight too and I’ve asked for it.
“There’s some good fights out there for me but I just have to keep on doing what I’m doing.”
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