Crucial fight for underdog Rushton as he aims for capital gain

The Central Area champion takes on local favourite Gary Woolcombe at the legendary York Hall in a televised eight-rounder which could have a huge bearing on his prospects.

"It is a massive opportunity to revive my career and hopefully I will be able to take it because it could open a lot of doors for me," said Rushton after completing his intensive build-up.

"I've been involved in several title fights but this is the biggest fight of my career for sure. Woolcombe is highly rated, having won 23 of his 24 fights and is eighth in the British rankings.

"I am also fighting him in his own back yard and I know that I will be the underdog.

"It doesn't bother me fighting him on his own patch, though I will probably feel a bit apprehensive on the night before the action gets underway, because there will be less pressure on me.

"I have noticed in my last few fights at the Dome that there have been a few knockers in the crowd and that won't be the case tomorrow.

"I've watched a few of his fights and he always looks in good condition. I wouldn't say that he is a really big puncher but he has got a good dig on him, but then so have I.

"One thing I noticed watching his fights is that his opponents haven't looked like they thought that they could win.

"That won't be the case tomorrow. I have trained really hard for the last eight weeks and I will be going there to try and win and I think that he knows that.

"I know that to beat him on points I am going to have to be a clear winner because if it is close I know that he'll probably get the decision."

"As I say I am under no illusions, but promoter Frank Maloney has told me that if I beat Woolcombe then he will press my claims for a shot at the British title.

"I have suffered from a couple of bad decisions in the last couple of years and I am keen to get back on track.

"I am 24 now and I have physically matured over the last 18 months and I now feel in the best shape of my career.

"I am hoping that the next three or four years will be the best of my career.

"That is why a win over Woolcombe, or at least a very good performance in defeat, is so important."