Tyler Christopher Preparing For 5th Pro Fight
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Bermudian boxer Tyler Christopher says he intends to “bring out the dog in me” when he returns to the ring for his fifth professional fight next weekend [Sept 24].
Christopher will lace up the gloves for the first time since April when he meets fellow southpaw Kirk Stevens in a four-round super-welterweight bout at Planet Ice in Solihull, a town near Birmingham.
The 26-year-old is still searching for his first stoppage win and believes he has been overly cautious and measured in his previous four outings.
“I had a month’s break after my fourth win before coming back and implementing a lot of strength training to improve my physique and power,” Christopher told Bernews.
“I’ve been too conservative and nice in my last few fights. I need to bring out the dog in me.
“You always must be slightly cautious in the ring with another professional fighter, but I’ve been going in to box and not to hurt.
“I’ve been practising my body shots, having a high guard and walking my opponents down. I believe in my chin – I’ve never been wobbled or knocked out. I’m ready to go toe-to-toe.”
Christopher, who trains full-time at DNA Boxing School of Excellence in Stirchley, Birmingham, revealed he recently had the word “relentless” tattooed on his right forearm as a reminder to remain unwavering in his pursuit of glory.
“I went and got this ‘relentless’ tattoo to remind me when I’m in the ring to be relentless,” Christopher said.
“I know I can box, but I need to put my foot down and have a stoppage. That’s what people want to see.
“I’ve been showing my power in sparring. It’s hard to get sparring partners these days. They don’t want to come back once they’ve sparred me.”
Christopher said he feels ready to step up from four to six rounds once he takes care of business against 32-year-old Stevens, who lost his one professional bout more than four years ago.
“I’m past four-round fights, but I need to sell a certain number of tickets to pay my opponent,” Christopher added.
“A four-round opponent is a cheaper opponent, so I need to do better with my ticket sales. Hopefully, I can grow my support.”
