Sheffield boxer desperate to land British title tonight

But the purse on offer before tonight’s British middleweight championship showdown with Tommy Langford is of minor relevance to the Sheffielder in compared to the title itself.

“Having my biggest purse so far is great” he said. “But the important thing is to win and be known for being the best at what I do. That matters much more than money. “It takes a lot to get to the stage I am at. It was hard being in the rat pack (down the rankings) when I started out fighting journeymen and seeing good fighters never get on because of bad luck or injuries.

“I went through all that and it is important to me now to get the title and the acclaim I deserve. Money isn’t great when you are starting out and I’d struggle without my sponsors AJ Hobson, Phil Smith, Chris Smith, Dave Faulston and Gary Siddons. They really help me out. But there are other rat-pack fighters who also deserve to be where I am.”

Sheedy’s trainer Glyn Rhodes, who first trained Richie Wenton to a British title win in 1994, said victory over Langford in Cardiff would be enormous for their gym. “It would be brilliant for everybody who trains there, and also for the city as a whole” he said.

“We have had Sheffield champions at this weight in Bomber Graham and Brian Anderson and at other weights Clinton Woods and Kell Brook, so it’s a great title to have.

“Earlier this week I thought Langford looked shocking - very drawn. You can’t always tell if that means anything, but Sam was comfortable and happy and can’t wait to get in the ring. Seeing Lagnford twitchy and drawn gave us a confidence boost.

“A few years ago Sam might have felt out of place in situations like this, but he has real mental strength now. Langford is not Superman, he’s not a big puncher and Sam is much quicker all-round. Yes, Langford has got a good engine, but that won’t be enough.”