Evans looking to take chance in Liverpool

LIGHTWEIGHT contender Craig Evans has intentions of making a big statement in his upcoming fight against James Tennyson on Saturday night at the Echo Arena in Liverpool.

The two will clash in an all-important British bout that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.

Evans, from Newport, will look to end the year out with a big win which will put him in a position to challenge for the British title in 2020.

A victory on Saturday will arguably be a careerdefining moment for Evans. His opponent Tennyson contested in a world title fight just a year ago, but failed in claiming the IBF title from champion Tevin Farmer.

Evans said: “He’s a come-forward puncher, he’s known for his big punch and power. I am expecting him to come in the ring and do just that, to come in and try and take me out.

“I need to make a big statement, it’s important for both of us to make one because the loser of this fight, I don’t know where they are going to go. I can’t see me losing this fight. He’s going to have to knockout me out.’’

The winner of thefight will become the mandatory challenger to fight current British champion and Evans’ fellow Welshman Joe Cordina in 2020, and that’s a chance that Evans is relishing to take.

‘’This is a chance to fight for the British title if I win, they offered me it and of course I was going to take it, I am ready.

“I have had a good solid eight-week training camp for this fight, It’s a must-win fight for me, I am 30 now. I don’t want to move backwards and fight journeymen this time in my career, so it’s a fight I am looking forward to.’’

Evans credits the help from his trainer and former world champion Gavin Rees.

Evans said: “I’ve been training hard with Gavin Rees, and he will push you hard.

“There are no cutting corners with him. We train hard for every fight. Gavin is a big influence, he has knowledge of boxing, and he knows what we have to do and he puts all his knowledge into me and I am looking forward to showing what I can do now.’’

Evans believes he is coming into the prime of his career and he’s had three big wins since his last defeat to Roman Andreev in 2018.

He defeated British fighters in Jordan Ellison and Boy Jones, and, in his last fight, he toppled Ireland’s Stephen Ormond.

He said: “I’ll have December off, then I will train through January and February and make a return in March if everything goes well on Saturday night.

“I will be looking at any title, any fighter ranked above me I will be wanting to fight.

“By the end of 2020, I want to be pushing for a world title, or at least a European title fight. I want the big-money fights, that’s what I am striving for.’’