Highly-rated Guisborough prospect Josh Leather is expecting a tough but ultimately winnable fight on Saturday’s BoxNation world title bill in Liverpool.
The East Cleveland light-welterweight faces durable Ryan Hardy on the undercard of Derry Mathews’ interim WBA world lightweight title scrap against Tony Luis.
Hardy has stepped in for Rhys Evans on three weeks’ notice and brings a record of seven wins and five defeats to the Echo Arena.
The Sheffield 29-year-old has dropped his last four but has never lost inside the distance.
A former British Masters welterweight champion, he made Tom Stalker struggle at times in a losing effort to the former GB Olympic boxing captain.
And he climbed off the canvas to go the full route with well-established Adil Anwar late last month for the vacant International Masters Bronze welterweight title.
For all of Hardy’s grit and determination, Leather has by far the better pedigree as a 2012 ABA lightweight champion, and the speed and skills to go with the momentum he has built in a 100% start to his professional career.
And the 22-year-old is aiming to shine against a dogged opponent who rarely likes taking a backward step as he goes for a seventh straight win in front of his promoter Frank Warren.
The fight is scheduled for six rounds and has been made at 10-stone 1pound.
“I’ve watched Hardy and he is awkward,” Leather said.
“He is pretty one-paced but likes to come on at the end of rounds and showboat a bit to try and draw you in.
“I’ve just got to keep it long and try not to get into a war.
“I’ll be trying to win every round, and look good while doing it. I’m the sharper, stronger and better boxer - and I’m faster.”
Leather has not boxed since November, when he ended Fergus Taylor’s unbeaten record in a performance which got a lot of positive press.
His Northern Area title clash against Anthony Hardy - no relation to his opponent on Saturday - set for March 8 was pulled due to contractual reasons.
But he is still hoping to get the fight on over the summer if he comes through this weekend unscathed.
“Titles are what I want and I think I’m ready to win my first one and box for the Northern Area,” Leather said. “But I’ve got to win this fight first.”
Despite his six months out of the ring, Leather thinks he is constantly developing as an athlete and a boxer.
He had three days of quality sparring at the Pro SW Gym in Essex under the watchful eye of trainer Imran Naeem, going at it with southpaw Commonwealth Games gold medallist Josh Taylor and undefeated super featherweight Mitchell Smith, among others.
And he is putting in regular strength and conditioning shifts with Matty Downing at Proformance Fitness in Thorntree.
“I feel like I’m improving all the time and the best is yet to come,” Leather added.
Live coverage of Saturday’s bill starts on subscription channel BoxNation at 7pm.
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