Bexleyheath boxer Sam Cantwell has been training with ‘The Hitman’ in the countdown to his next fight.

Sam headed up to Manchester last week to work with Ricky Hatton and dad Micky Cantwell, the former British flyweight champion and world-title challenger, reckons fight fans will see a different boxer when his son gets back in the ring this month.

The 27-year-old has been ruled out with a broken bone in his hand since last October and steps up to six-round level when he returns at the Camden Centre on May 16.

Dad Micky said: “Sam has come on so much working with Ricky. He’s gone up there as a raw novice and working with Ricky and the other world-class fighters in the gym has really brought him on.

“He’s a different fighter now, he’s really buzzing.

“Training with Ricky and the change of scenery has done Sam a lot of good.

“It’s given him a massive lift and Ricky loved his work ethic.”

Micky also feels his son can benefit in the long-term from the recent workout with Hatton.

He added: “Ideally, Sam would go up to Manchester to train with Ricky before every fight.

“Ricky can help Sam be the best he can possibly be.

“Sam’s getting better and better and in a year’s time he will be a lot better than he is now.

“I do think Sam has some potential and he’s boxing for the right reasons.

“He’s not boxing for money, he wants to see how far he can go.”

Micky is convinced Sam could follow in his footsteps and challenge for honours at light-flyweight.

He said: “I spoke to manager Mickey Helliet about Sam challenging for an international title at light-flyweight and he seemed quite keen.

“Sam can make 7st 10lbs and that opens up another route for him to take.

“He’s stepping up the rounds now and it won’t be too long before Sam’s looking to challenge for titles.

“I think we will see the best of him when he boxes over the longer rounds.”

Tickets for the show at the Camden Centre on May 16 are available from 07590 210676.

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