Sights set on title bid

Alex Branson-cole is setting his sights on an area title ahead of his first bout in 2023. Faversham’s Bransoncole will look to continue his unbeaten start at the Tolworth Recreation Centre this Saturday, having turned professional last year.

“I will stay unbeaten and keep pushing forward, and keep progressing,” he said. “Hopefully, I will be back out for a nice local one in March. “As soon as I get to five or six fights, I want to apply for an area title fight.” Branson-cole’s previous bout in November was also in Tolworth when he proved to be too strong for Bahadur Karami.

The 30-year-old admitted: “I will be more comfortable with my surroundings, as I’ve been there before.

“When I get there, there’s a bit of nerves, but I’m always pretty confident. The Tolworth show is a good one normally.” Branson-cole will have plenty of support when he returns to the venue. On ticket sales, he said: “Surprisingly, it’s been quite good. We have sold about 70 tickets, which has been great.

“We have got a good little Faversham army going up.”

It’s backing Bransoncole is thankful for.

He said: “I appreciate it a lot. They’re using their hard-earned money to buy tickets and travel a long way. “It’s really good and I appreciate that. I have to put on a good show for everyone and give them their money’s worth.” Seamus Devlin, from Padiham in Lancashire, will be Branson-cole’s opponent. Devlin an ex-bare knuckle fighter - was one of the busiest boxers on the circuit last year. Branson-cole said: “He fought nearenough every month and, sometimes, twice a month. He has got experience.

“We will see how good he is and I cannot wait to put him to the test. I feel good. “I’ve had some sparring. I’ve been doing some strength and conditioning work, and learning in the gym. That’s what it’s all about - learning and progressing from the last fight that I had.

“My diet is good and my strength and conditioning work has been going well so I’m stronger and fitter from this camp.” Life as a professional boxer may have got off to a great start but Branson-cole’s trainer, Ian Fleckney, always ensures his fighter knows what he still needs to work on. Branson-cole, who has added Quadrant Plumbing to his team of sponsors, said: “He’s always critical and always trying to improve me.”