Bexleyheath Boxer Sammy Cantwell within touching distance of title fight

The super-flyweight looks to extend his unbeaten record to seven fights at the Camden Centre on December 4.

To prepare for the fight, Cantwell has been sparring experienced Kazakhstan fighter Zhanat Zhakiyanov.

The 28-year-old described it “as a great experience”, but says sparring his dad is tougher.

Mickey Cantwell held the British flyweight title in 1996 and fought for European and World titles.

“We don't spar as much as we used to but when someone doesn't turn up for sparring, dad gets in the ring,” Cantwell junior said.

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“We don't bash each other up - we love each other too much to do that - but it's always competitive when we spar.

“Dad still has the will to win and he's a very tough so and so.”

Instead, Cantwell did most of his sparring for his forthcoming fight with Zhakiyanov, who this month won the interim WBA bantamweight championship.

Cantwell said: “He's a knock-out artist, but I was surprised at how clever he was – his feet and timing was different class.

“It was a great experience. I learned so much about what it takes to box at the higher level.”

Cantwell believes he is within touching distance of a shot at the title.

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“I believe I'm nearly ready for a title fight,” he added. “I've just got to keep winning and see what comes up. I'm sure I will give a good account of myself.

“I'm punching harder since I started working with Kerry Kayes.

“I think if I had been with Kerry from the start I would have more knock outs on my record.

“Blowing away opponents looks good - and people seem to like seeing knock outs.

“I would like to do a few more rounds, but I train ridiculously hard and know I have a good engine. I'm confident I can do the rounds at a good pace.”

Tickets for the show at the Camden Centre are available from 07725499464.

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