Wheeler hopes new contract will steer him towards a British title shot

Boxing - City cruiserweight signs up with top promoter

Peterborough cruiserweight Karl Wheeler has inked the deal that he hopes will lead him to a crack at the British championship. Wheeler has put pen to paper on a three-year promotional contract with Steve Goodwin and boxes on his show at the York Hall in Bethnal Green on Saturday, December 5.

For Wheeler, it will be his second fight of the year following his six-round points win over Tomislav Rudan in September. That performance led to Goodwin offering Wheeler a contract that he was happy to sign.

“Steve and his family are good people,” said the 33 yearold from Hampton.

“They have a lot of boxers on their books, but they always have time for all of them.

“Steve is ranked the third best promoter in the country behind Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren, so that shows you I’m with the right man.

“He puts on regular shows, works with the big TV promoters and he’s signing up a lot of cruiserweights, so the big fights I’m looking for are easier to make.”

Wadi Camacho, a former ‘Prizefighter’ winner, is a recent addition to Goodwin’s stable and the Canning Town southpaw challenges Lawrence Bennett for his Southern Area title on next month’s show in the East End of London.

Wheeler could face the winner.

He said: “I’m hoping to at least fight for the British title by the time my three years with Steve are up - and the Southern Area title is a good stepping stone towards that.

“It’s a prestigious, recognised belt - and my son Onri will think I’m a superhero if I win a belt. I really want to win titles for him.”

Wheeler could be fighting for honours in front of his home crowd next year - there’s talk Goodwin could promote in Peterborough in April - but wherever he fights, his son and girlfriend will be there.

“Lisa (Watton) is my rock,” said Wheeler. “It’s not easy try- ing to make it as a boxer and she’s forever encouraging me, pushing me on.

“If I’m sitting on the sofa watching TV, she says things like: ‘If you don’t go out for your run, you’re going to get beaten up !’

“I soon get my trainers on after she says that!”

To prepare for the 17th fight of his professional career, Wheeler, sponsored by Global Self Drive, Maximum Nutrition, Bore Hole Solutions, Apex and Barkingheads, has been sparring ex-Commonwealth champion Tony Conquest in London.

“It’s really hard work,” said Wheeler, “and Tony is really pushing me on to another level. I couldn’t ask for better sparring.”

Tickets for the show at the York Hall are available from 07713-194038.

Karl Wheeler (right) in action.