Fight off after broken thumb
Boxing
Sam Noakes had to pull out of his latest fight after breaking his thumb in sparring.
The Maidstone boxer was due to defend his
WBC international silver lightweight title against Spaniard Marc Vidal at Wembley Arena on Saturday night.
But the bout was called off after Noakes suffered the injury in training last month. “I did it four or five weeks ago,” said the 24-year-old, who has won all nine of his pro fights inside the distance. “The first two weeks after it happened weren’t great, I’m not going to lie, but it’s one of those things.
“It’s a hazard of the job, it’s a rough old game anyway, you’ve just got to deal with things like this.
“It’s not too bad now, I can punch, but I’m not out again until October, so I’ve got plenty of time.”
A cast has allowed Noakes to stay active by way of running, and it’s just as well. “I’ve done a few long runs, to try and keep as busy as I can,” he added. “If you’re sitting around all day not doing anything, all you think about is food!”
Sean Noakes, Sam’s older brother, is gearing up for his second bout in the paid ranks.
The 26-year-old is due to face journeyman MJ Hall (2-82-2) over four rounds at the Copper Box Arena in London on July 16.
It’s another southpaw opponent for Noakes, who outpointed Lee Hallett on his pro debut in May.
“I’m flying in the gym, I can’t wait to get out there,” said Sean Noakes.
“It’s the last show of the summer, and then it’ll be nice to get away and have a bit of downtime.
“Journeymen southpaws are different to tricky southpaws because they don’t throw as much, so you can’t really train for them, I don’t think. “From what I’ve seen of him, he’s a tough fighter, hard to stop, and if I do stop him, it would make a good statement.
“He’s had just shy of 90 fights and boxed some very good names.
“I feel I’ve made improvements where I’ve had to.
“There are things I could have done better in the first fight and we’ve been working on that in the gym, and I’m ready to put on another good show. I feel good.”
To buy tickets, contact Sean Noakes via Facebook or Instagram.