Confidence sky high for Preston's Scott Fitzgerald after sparring Amir Khan and Liam Smith
The super-welterweight ace takes on Hungarian Laszlo Fazekas on the undercard of the Amir Khan versus Phil Lo Greco fight at the Liverpool Arena.
The 26-year-old believes he is in the shape of his life and has drawn confidence from sparring with former world welterweight champion and Olympic silver medal winner Khan earlier this month.
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Hide AdFitzgerald, who has also benefited from sparring sessions with another world champion in the shape of Liam Smith, believes he has more than held his own in the company of boxers of that calibre.
“I’ve had three sparring session with Amir Khan and Liam Smith,” said Fitzgerald.
“In a matter of a week, I’ve sparred with two world champions. I felt fine in there with them to be honest and it gives you confidence that you can get to where they have got to.
“I feel really fit, had lots of good sparring and I’m looking forward to putting on a good performance on Saturday night and making a statement.”
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Hide AdLaszlo Fazekas is aged 28 and has plenty of experience having 31 pro fights, although he has lost 30 as well.
He fought former two-time world welterweight champion Paul Malignaggi three years ago – losing via a unanimous decision.
And fought Fitzgerald’s former Team GB team-mate Anthony Fowler last year where he once again lost on points.
Fitzgerald – who has only been taken the distance once in his first nine fight – knows that he be made to work hard to earn a stoppage.
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Hide AdBut the ex-Larches and Savick Amateur Boxing Club ace revealed he would not mind going the whole eight rounds, which will be good for his development in the pro game.
“He’s the only person who Anthony Fowler has not stopped,” said Fitzgerald.
“So he can go the rounds. If I can get a stoppage I will do, but it will be good to get the eights rounds in because that’s what I need.
"Every time I have had an eight-round fight, I’ve got the stoppage.
“But I have sparred and trained for the eight rounds. I am feeling nice and sharp –ready for the fight.”