Chris Mulunda backed by Steel City stars ahead of Arena bout
Chris Mulunda is taking the lead from some of Sheffield’s biggest names as he prepares for a big night at the Arena
Mulunda is due to box on the Matchroom bill on June 6 - a card sadly deprived of Dalton Smith, who has withdrawn through injury.
But that won't take away the thrill of competing on such a high profile event, after just two professional fights.
The Pearce Gudgeon-trained super welterweight, once a Sunday League footballer, opened his pro account with two victories at Doncaster Dome in November and March.
Now his learning curve will be extended on the undercard of the WBC World Flyweight title fight between Galal Yafai and Ricardo Rafael, although his own opponent is yet to be named.
Doncaster's European super featherweight champion Josh Padley will be looking for his 20th victory on the show.
Mulunda, a 23-year-old from Greasbrough, Rotherham, says he has picked up lots insight on how to succeed from three Steel City comrades in particular.
DALTON SMITH:
"From him I take his mindset - how focused and dedicated he is to the game, he is never really out of shape. He lives the life of a true professional.
In sparring - I have sparred Dalton a few times - you see his IQ and then I listen to what he tells me after.
LIAM CAMERON:
"When Liam came back to boxing (from a five year break) I used to help him get back on his feet. And he taught me on how to work on the inside. "Liam brings a lot of toughness. I always knew I was tough but he brought it out of me.
"A lot of people see him on social media and thinks he comes across as daft but he has taught me a lot about life and life's goals and seeing reality.
"He has been through a lot.
"We train at similar times and you see his courage to keep going and he has installed that in me."
JUNAID BOSTAN:
"We are similar ages, but he has boxed a lot longer than me and has more experience with (promoters) Matchroom, for instance.
"He gives me little tips whether it is sparring or making my debut on the Matchroom show - he has gone through what I am about to go through and helps me stay focused.
"Bostan's recent draw and loss hasn't changed him - in a game like this these things happen; you can't win everything. He is more hungry than ever to get back to the top. That is good to see."
Mulunda is determined to walk away from the Arena experience having extended his winning record.
"I will get the job done. Lots of people will be watching - I will have the chance to show my skills."
Also on the bill is Doncaster's unbeaten farmer/fighter Ed Hardy, who Mulunda has a lot of respect for.
He said of the lightweight: "He is definitely one to watch out for.
"He came through the amateurs into pro ranks, he is fan-friendly. Whenever he fights people pay attention, he carries a lot of power and is very entertaining.
"With him you never know what to expect...Don't Blink!"
Another Darnall-trained fighter Ibraheem 'Spida' Sulaimaan, hopes to take the English Super Featherweight title off Keighley's Ibrahim Nadim, on the show.