Thirlwall eyeing British Title tilt

[HS Press]

Thirlwall eyeing British Title tilt

Bermondsey middleweight Matthew Thirlwall returns to the ring at the Norfolk Showground, Norwich on February 28th Live on ITV4 to kick off what he hopes is going to be a big 2009.

By his own admission Thirlwall has yet to translate the undoubted potential he showed in the amateurs as an ABA Champion and regular England International into professional success. Having recently turned 28 he knows time is running out for him to turn potential into achievement. With his long term injury problems now behind him the Londoner believes he’s within touching distance of a title shot.

“Originally it was my knee but more recently it was an elbow injury that was causing problems,” explained Thirlwall. “I’m over the injuries now. It was very frustrating at the time because everything was so stop – start but I’m feeling great at the moment so I just want to keep as busy as possible this year and get some consistency.”

The Robert McCracken trained fighter says he’ll be keeping a close eye on the upcoming British middleweight title fight between Matthew Macklin and Wayne Elcock with a view to challenging the winner later in the year.

“I think it’s going to be a great fight and I’d love a shot at the winner. I keep changing my mind about who will win but at the moment I’m leaning towards Elcock.

“I suppose it all depends on the night really but I think Elcock’s a rough, strong kid and he could catch up with Macklin in the later rounds and stop him. Macklin’s capable of outboxing him too though so it’s a very hard one to call.

“I’d jump at that chance to fight the winner if it came along. If I can get a couple of good wins under my belt then I don’t see any reason why I wouldn’t be ready for a fight like that. It would be a dream come true to fight for the British title and I wouldn’t care who was in the opposite corner as long as I got a chance to fight for the Lonsdale belt.”

Featuring on the exciting undercard: Danny McIntosh v Matthew Barney for the English Light Heavyweight Title (subject to Boards approval), also appearing New Heavyweight Sensation Tyson Fury, Lee Purdy and making his pro debut ABA Senior Featherweight Champion 2008 & awarded the best boxer of the night Royston’s Bradley Evans.

Tickets for Thirlwall’s next fight which is part of the undercard of Jon Thaxton’s first European title defence at the Norfolk Showground, Norwich on the 28th February are available from the Ticketline box office on 0871 424 4444 or via http://www.ticketline.co.uk

[Londonirish]

Thirlwall is a very nice fella excellent Amateur Spent a many a week on training camp with him down Crystal Palace...

Best of Luck Mate

[housesecond]

Dont want to rain on his parade but how's this work? He gets beat, goes away for a bit, then comes back for a British title shot without beating anyone of note.

[TerribleTerry]

Dont want to rain on his parade but how's this work? He gets beat, goes away for a bit, then comes back for a British title shot without beating anyone of note.

Very true.

Thirwall needs to put a decent run together against a decent calibre of opposition to put himself into title contention.

Talk is cheap. He looked so promising coming out of the ams but he has failed to make the most of his talent thus far in his career..

[Spud]

In the early days my summing up of Matthew was he was a top bloke - but like a lot of young uns he wanted to enjoy life - maybe I got it wrong but I certainly had the impression he didn't go that extra mile like Carl Froch and a couple of the other lads and thats why I feel in my opinion he has struggled somewhat.

I am sure there are some who are up to date with their amateur knowledge that if Matthew buckled down and really lived the life of a boxer he has the pedigree to go places - but the problem as with many many talented boxers is whether they have that self discipline to go that little bit extra.

I really hope Matthew has got it in him to go places it would be brilliant to see - just got some nagging doubts and it would be great to be proved wrong - remember when Hennessy first start Matthew had an absolutely stunning girlfriend but the most horendous laugh you could imagine!!!

[Grilling Machine]

I thought he'd retired long ago. Was it the BBC or ITV who showed a few of his fights?

[Spud]

I thought he'd retired long ago. Was it the BBC or ITV who showed a few of his fights?

BBC - when Matt was part of the "Class of 2002"

[oliverfennell]

Yeah, a big buzz about him when he turned over but has yet to - and is unlikely to - deliver on that early promise. Not yet beaten a name of note and didn't he lose to Jason Collins? Tough nut, but not the sort to beat anybody with genuine designs on title class.

[Spud]

Yeah, a big buzz about him when he turned over but has yet to - and is unlikely to - deliver on that early promise. Not yet beaten a name of note and didn't he lose to Jason Collins? Tough nut, but not the sort to beat anybody with genuine designs on title class.

"Living the life" was the problem mate!!!

[Lenny]

Thirlwell loved a tear up like pretty much all of McCracken's fighters but I don't think it suited him at all. Certainly didn't fit with his amature career. Seemed to love to stand and trade with his opponents thinking his power would win him the fight when it often wasn't the case. It gave us a great fight in some cases (Donovan Smillie) but it also gave him losses that no boxer with British title aspirations should have.

I'll always remember the lovely BBC interview when Gary Beardsley reward for a career best win was to have to sit there and have McCracken with Thirlwell alongside butt in and tell him there was no way he won that fight. Beardsley's next reward was a fight with Howard Eastman so he could smash him before putting him back with Thirlwell. So close in the rematch as well.

If Thirlwell wants a title shot then he has to wait his turn and maybe beat some good fighters.