British featherweight champion Paul Appleby believes his April 25 challenger Martin Lindsay represents the toughest test of his 14-bout pro career – but is eager to test the Irishman’s resolve with some well-placed body shots.
The 21-year-old Appleby, 14-0 (9 KO), will venture to Belfast for HAYEMAKER 8 and is confident of retaining his belt, despite the threat of home hero Lindsay.
“Lindsay’s a very good opponent,” admits Appleby, the 2008 Boxing Writers’ ‘Young Boxer of the Year’.
“I’m not saying he’s the best opponent I’ve faced – because I haven’t actually boxed him yet – but he’s probably going to be right up there.
“He’s got a really good record, has excellent technique and good skills. I’m not sure whether he’ll be as tough as (John) Simpson, but I think he’s definitely got more technique and skill. I think on paper he may be a bit better than Simpson. We’ll find out once I start landing a few punches on him.”
Appleby beat Simpson over 12 rounds to lift the prestigious Lonsdale crown in June 2008. Disciplined rather than dazzling that night, Appleby completed the 12-round distance for the first time and signalled the beginning of, what he hopes, will be a long reign as British champion.
“It’s brilliant being able to call myself British champion,” enthuses Edinburgh-born Appleby. “I don’t want to lose my belt. You get so much respect from everyone when you’re British champion. I just never want to lose this feeling.
“The first time I did the 12 rounds with Simpson, I wasn’t actually sure I’d be able to handle it beforehand. Sparring and punching bags are very different from actually going 12 hard rounds with an opponent. I was a little bit wary going into that fight. I was pretty tired in the ninth round, but after that I was fine. I got my second wind and got through to the end.”
Appleby expects a similarly gruelling and exhausting battle with the undefeated Lindsay on April 25.
“I’ve seen Lindsay box a few times as a pro and I’ve seen him lots in the amateurs,” adds Appleby. “He doesn’t waste a lot of punches and does everything for a reason.
“I think he’ll cope with the 12 rounds fine, but I just wonder what he’ll be like when I start landing my shots. He got knocked down against Derry Mathews and I think I can do the same to him.”
Lindsay earned his crack at Appleby’s title with a stunning come-from-behind knockout of Mathews last September. It’s a win that impressed Appleby, but also one that may be somewhat deceiving.
“Derry Mathews wasn’t the same fighter he once was,” says Appleby. “I don’t want to take anything away from Lindsay, but if he hits me with the same left-hook I won’t be going down. I’m pretty confident of that.
“Beating Lindsay in his own backyard will be my best win to date. Lindsay is rated really highly by a lot of people. I also rate him really highly. If I were to beat him it would be a brilliant achievement. I need to hurt him early and hopefully put him down or stun him. I’ll then get his respect and take over from that point.”
*** Paul Appleby’s British featherweight title defence against Belfast’s Martin Lindsay takes place at the Ulster Hall, Belfast on April 25. Tickets priced at £35, £50 and £70 can be purchased directly by calling 02890 334 455.
*** Setanta Sports televise HAYEMAKER 8: ‘Appleby vs. Lindsay’ live from the Ulster Hall on April 25. Also featuring at HAYEMAKER 8 will be appearances from two-time British light-middleweight champion Ryan Rhodes and hot super-middleweight prospect George Groves, as well as Curtis Woodhouse, Michael Maguire and Luke Wilton.
Hayemaker are putting on very good cards in my opinion these sorts of fights are great for casual fans.As was dodson- quigley.
I know appelby may be more experienced than his age would suggest but ive got lindsay to hurt him and take his heart away
i like appelby,but he needs to box & not relly on bullying lindsay out of it b'coz there's a good chance he could drop his game & pay the price & be setback kicking himself.
it certanly makes for an exciting encounter as appelby is allready beating the war drums!!which will put his opponent on edge which may make him fully focus.
i fancy appelby if he dont get too sloppy.
As far as i remember martin started off well but was being out worked , i dont seem too remember matthews winning the rounds by much , Was he behind by much at the time of the ko can anyone recall?
Yea Derry had him on the deck aswell , dont know the scores but i would say derry was winning comfortable
metropol wrote:As far as i remember martin started off well but was being out worked , i dont seem too remember matthews winning the rounds by much , Was he behind by much at the time of the ko can anyone recall?
I'm going to miss this fight, but I think Appleby will prevail. He seems to have the better skills and a little bit of power. Don't know how good Martin's chops are, so I will have to go with a Appeleby decision.
that pucnh flattered him from what I've seen and people who've followed him longer have said. says a lot about him that he pulled it out of the bag when behind, though. although Derry's chin and stamina at 126lbs have MASSIVE question marks over them so that too may flatter him
Irish boxing is on a mini-roll at the moment, with this being in NI i just think there's a big morale boost right there for Lindsay
i would have liked him to start the Matthews fight with a higher workrate. to an extent Derry's reach and jab took him out of that kind of appraoch. Appleby may be a bit longer than Lindsay but not by much so i don't think he can just keep Lindsay on the end of the jab. If i was lindsay's corner i would want him starting quicker and not letting Appleby get any momentum going. I'd have him giving Appleby angles, too.
metropol wrote:Steve do you know who big the ulster hall is?
Not really mate. I haven't been in for boxing before and it has been revamped and spruced up so looking forward to getting in there and sampling the atmposphere! Are you going metropol?
metropol wrote:Steve do you know who big the ulster hall is?
Not really mate. I haven't been in for boxing before and it has been revamped and spruced up so looking forward to getting in there and sampling the atmposphere! Are you going metropol?
Unfortunatley , im a cash strapped student atm , maybe if circumstances chang i will go
Swifty is without doubt in my mind capable of beating these now!! I fancy Appleby going in BUT it's only a matter of time until Stephen Smith takes that title with him!!
metropol wrote:Steve do you know who big the ulster hall is?
Not really mate. I haven't been in for boxing before and it has been revamped and spruced up so looking forward to getting in there and sampling the atmposphere! Are you going metropol?
Unfortunatley , im a cash strapped student atm , maybe if circumstances chang i will go
Got a few tickets I'm trying to shift on the cheap if anyone needs any drop me an email (info on my pm whats it) £35 Choir area for £20. Also got a couple of spare £40 Warren Oddessy Bill tickets I can let go for £30.
A lot of friends pulled out at the last minute on me and I've been lumbered with spares. If no takers I can shift them on the night i hope, get some beer tokens back.
metropol wrote:Hayemaker are putting on very good cards in my opinion these sorts of fights are great for casual fans.As was dodson- quigley.
I know appelby may be more experienced than his age would suggest but ive got lindsay to hurt him and take his heart away
very surprising that you would pick the irish fighter
Bit of a stupid comment on a 50/50 fight isn't it ?
Long live Haymaker and Setanta before one of the bubbles (or both) burst 