Sammy Couzens gunning for first boxing title against Steffan Hughes

The Titchfield light heavyweight, pictured, has earned his opportunity the hard way, fighting some good opponents early in his career and even travelling to places like Finland and Germany for learning fights.

Now he has the opportunity to really make a name for himself on the domestic scene as he takes on Steffan Hughes at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London.

Couzens’ trainer and promoter, Jack Bishop, said: “The chance only comes once and he’s got to take it.

“I had him in for the Southern Area title and that was all cut and dried but the board wouldn’t allow the opponent to fight for it.

“This is a better title because it is open to everybody in Britain rather than just the southern area and it’s up to Sammy now to take his chance.”

Bishop’s stable picked up a great win last week as Colin Kenna bounced back to form with a fine victory over Ian Lewison and the veteran trainer revealed he has been sparring the heavyweight with the lighter Couzens.

“Sammy has been training with Colin Kenna and I think they have helped each other tremendously,” said Bishop.“Colin got a great win last week and for Sammy to have been sparring with somebody who is one and a half stone heavier is a lot but he has been going at it hammer and tongs.

“You don’t ever have to push Sammy – he loves training.

“If he were to lose then it won’t be through lack of training.”

Couzens comes into the contest with seven wins from 13 pro fights under his belt whilst Welshman Hughes has three wins and four defeats from his seven.

“Stefan Hughes is a tough boy,” reflected Bishop.

“In his gym he is mixing with Prizefigher winners so he is in good company all the time.

“He’s even taken a fight in Germany as cruiserweight and he was giving weight away so he’s a tough old cookie.

“We know all of that but Sammy on his day can give anybody a good go and he has a great chance of winning this title if he listens and does the right things.”