Noakes flying flag
Boxer Sam Noakes wants to bring more sporting success to his home town when he fights for the British lightweight championship.
Noakes aims to add to the feelgood factor following Maidstone United’s FA Cup heroics.
The 26-year-old takes on fellow unbeaten opponent Lewis Sylvester at the Copper Box in London on Saturday night. Noakes, who already holds Commonwealth and WBC International Silver titles, has been training in his Maidstone shirt.
He couldn’t travel to Ipswich he had a suit-fitting for exStones defender and big pal Ben Swift’s upcoming wedding - but watched on TV and was inspired by their success.
“It’s the most I’ve ever been into a football match - even more so than England,” said Noakes.
“They’re doing well for themselves and I’m quite open and proud that I’m from Maidstone, so it all just clicks in.
“You hear people say ‘I’ve had enough of this place’ but I think Maidstone’s a lovely place. “When you’re younger you perhaps don’t see it like that but I’m happy to be from here. “There’s a lot of people in the town doing well.
“The football team are flying, me and my brother (Sean, fellow pro boxer) are doing well and I’d imagine there’s loads of other talented kids as well. It’s good.”
Noakes, the former Westree amateur, has won all 12 pro fights by stoppage and has Sylvester in his sights this weekend.
His title rival, who’s coming down from Yorkshire, boasts a 13-0 record, with four KOs.
“I’m buzzing, I can’t wait to get in there,” said Noakes.
“The British title is something I’ve wanted for a long while now, so I’m going to go and get it on Saturday.
“Every British fighter is the same - you put your stamp in history with that.
“It’ll be a tough fight. He’s quite a skilled boxer, who knows his way around the ring. “I’ve just got to do what I’ve been planning on doing. I need to cut him down and make him feel uncomfortable from the get-go and get another knockout. I’d love to make it 13.
“It’s not an easy fight. If you look on paper and see 12 KOs against four, you’d probably know who you’re betting on but I’ve got to be the best me to win this fight.
“He isn’t coming here to give up easily so I’m ready for a good, hard fight.
“I think it adds that little bit more seriousness to it, having the British title up for grabs.
“It gives me that little bit more motivation and drives me on. “I’ve got a good crowd going up as well - I’ve sold 340 tickets. The people of Maidstone don’t half get behind you.”