Hough running towards his first title by Daniel Mole Feb 15th 2008

Matty Hough is hoping the old adage ‘no pain, no gain' rings true as he steps up preparations ahead of his Midland Area middleweight title fight at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall on Thursday, 28th February. The Walsall-born fighter takes on Birmingham's Max Maxwell and has been undertaking a gruelling training regime in the build-up to the fight. Hough has been going on 10 mile runs every other day and has tripled his workload ahead of the first title fight of his professional boxing career. “I'm pushing myself more than I have ever done before and I'll push myself even more in the next few weeks,” he explained. “There's a lot more sparring, pad work and roadwork to come. “I'm running about ten miles every other day and sprinting in between. With that, and tripling my workload in the gym, I'll be ready for Maxwell. “I'm really looking forward to the fight. Preparations are going well and I'm feeling really good.” More comfortable at super-middleweight, Hough will have to shed extra pounds to make the weight but, through his punishing training regime, is confident of being in the best possible shape come fight night. As the bigger man, Hough will have a height and reach advantage over his opponent and these factors, coupled with a vote of confidence from his trainer, have left him convinced there will only be one winner. “Maxwell's small and he's a fit lad but I know he doesn't like being pressurised,” he added. “That's what I‘m going to do. I'm going to pressure him all the way. “I've been aiming for a title fight but I didn't expect it just ten fights into my professional career. My trainer, Errol Johnson, said I was ready and, when your trainer says your ready, you know you're ready. “I'm more of a natural super-middleweight but I'll take a title at middleweight. It can be difficult getting down to the weight but I'll make up for that when I've got the title. I'll go out and have a slap up meal to celebrate! “I know I'm going to win. That's 100%. I want this title.” Tickets, priced at £30 or £50 ringside, are available from 1st Team Promotions' PJ Rowson on 07976 283 157 or from the Wolverhampton Civic Hall Box Office on 0870 320 7000.

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