Lloyd set for career-defining fight

Shropshire boxer Mark Lloyd faces Latvian youngster Alex Spitko tonight in what could be a career-defining fight.

Victory will earn Lloyd a shot at the Commonwealth title in September, while defeat could see the Shifnal-based boxer retire.

Lloyd, 34, will be stepping up to middleweight for the bout which takes place in Birmingham.

But despite the step up in weight, Lloyd remains confident of seeing off his 24-year-old opponent - who has lost 23 of his 30 career fights.

He said: "I think I will have to stand off and box but I know he's a big guy and that he's very strong. Instead of bullying I will be the one who is being bullied.

"I don't know too much about him. I know he's lost a few of his fights and he comes forward a lot but he's a tough kid.

Concern

"I just can't wait to get in the ring now. I have been training hard and training really well. I'll be conceding quite a bit of weight to him but it doesn't concern me too much. I will just have to out box him."

A win for Lloyd, who has won 13 of his 16 bouts, would almost certainly see him fight for the Commonwealth title.

That would mean a clash with unbeaten title holder Denton Vassell who is part of the Hatton Promotions stable.

Lloyd added: "That is something I really want to happen. It is all I've ever wanted from boxing.

"When I started I just wanted to try and win a Midlands title and I've done that and I've fought in Prize Fighter and to fight for the Commonwealth title would be huge.

"It's a big inspiration for me to get win this next bout and get a shot at it.

"They've agreed to it and I think it's just to get ratified now by the board but it's looking good."

Defeat could spell the end for Lloyd but that county boxer is not letting the thought enter his mind.

"I'm not even thinking about it - I won't lose," he said.

By ALEX JAMES