Boxer Tyler Christopher On His Upcoming Fight
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Tyler Christopher aims to become a Midlands Area champion by the end of the year as he looks to start 2022 with a dominant win over veteran Jamie Quinn.
The Birmingham-based fighter will have his third bout in five months when he faces Quinn, 31, at the Holte Suite, Villa Park, next Saturday [February 26].
Quinn, known in the boxing vernacular as a journeyman – a trial horse for contenders such as Christopher – will be a familiar name to the most ardent of Bermudian boxing fans.
The Stockport brawler was matched against local professional Andre Lambe two years ago before being replaced by Canadian Mat Hinchey after talks broke down.
With 120 bouts to his name, but only eight wins, Quinn makes a living from testing prospects and has shared the ring with top UK fighters such as Stephen Smith, a former IBF super-featherweight title challenger, and British super-featherweight champion Anthony Cacace.
“I’ve seen a bit of footage of him [Quinn], and my coach has seen a bit of him,” Christopher told Bernews. “We’re going to be working on sitting down on my shots and adding something new to my game.
“It’s something I haven’t previously been able to show, as I’ve had to fight on my back foot. My last opponent [Mohamed Husain] was pressuring me, and my first opponent [Josh Hodgins] fights in a heavier weight class than me.”
Sparring with fellow Birmingham fighter Andrew Robinson, who is ranked sixth in the British middleweight division, has helped Christopher become better equipped at boxing at close quarters as he prepares for the wily Quinn.
“I’ve been sparring with Andrew Robinson; he’s been pushing me, putting the pressure on me, and I’ve adapted well,” said Christopher, who is trained by Anthony Hull at DNA Boxing School of Excellence in Stirchley.
“I’ve been working on my inside shots and staying in the pocket. I’ve shown I can box and that I have good movement, but it’s time I let my opponents feel my power.
“I’m looking to show a different side to me and put on a dominant performance where I’ll be pressing the action.”
The 25-year-old welterweight is undefeated after victories over Hodgins and Husain and insists he is more committed than ever as he targets at least five bouts this year.
“I’m more dedicated, and I’ve put more hours in the gym,” the southpaw added. “I’ve also been teaching intermediate classes, and that’s improved my knowledge of the game.
“It’s helped me understand boxing a bit more. It’s helped me visualise the game from a different view.
“My manager [Jon Pegg] told me that by the end of 2022, I could be able to fight for a Midlands title. I’m looking to be 7-0.”
