Rotherham boxer Le Appleyard is in the mix for a new title challenge

Lee Appleyard aims to become a two-weight champion by the end of the year.
Lee Appleyard celebrates with the English lightweight title. Pic: Dean WoolleyLee Appleyard celebrates with the English lightweight title. Pic: Dean Woolley
Lee Appleyard celebrates with the English lightweight title. Pic: Dean Woolley

On Saturday, the Rotherham boxer takes part in a six-rounder against Leicester's Michael Williams at Doncaster Dome - and if he comes through he expects a title shot in November.

Appleyard won the English Lightweight title last Summer, but vacated it because he struggled to get fully into shape after making the 135 pounds limit.

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Now he has "rebuilt" himself and has his eyes on adding to his previous honour.

"Super lightweight is definitely my division now and things are starting to click nicely," Appleyard said.

"I expect to make a big impact at the weight before the end of the year, as a win on Saturday will put me in a title fight before the end of the year November 24.

"The aim now is possibly to win an area or the English title while getting fully established at the new weight.

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"But by the start of 2019, I want to be competing for the British or Commonwealth titles and then looking to move even higher - which at this new weight I fully believe I am more than capable of."

The Bramley man who lost a Commonwealth challenge at his old weight last year, doesn't expect an easy night this coming weekend.

"I'm expecting Williams to be dangerous opponent. I've only seen one fight of his and he looks a little wild. He has heavily knocked down one of the toughest journeyman in Kevin McCauley so I will need to be fully focused.

"We been working hard in the gym sticking to my boxing and using the jab and picking the power shots when needed, but we will take this fight a ound at a time."

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Appleyard says everything has gone right in terms of preparation.

"This camp has been by far the best camp I have ever had, eating much more food.

"Being able to train fully fuelled has been a massive difference along with now having a strength and conditioner coach, which means I'm physically and mentally in a great place."