Kevin Anderson believes he has become a better fighter after being floored for the first time in his career.
Anderson, 23, makes the third defence of his Commonwealth Welterweight Title against Namibia’s Ali Nuumbembe tonight in the latest Matchroom Sport / Tommy Gilmour boxing show.
Speaking to Matchroomsport.com, Scotsman Anderson says he is confident of retaining his belt in front of his home crowd at the Fife Ice Arena in Kirkcaldy.
“The hard work has been done, I’m 100 per cent and I’m ready. It’s a case of keeping sharp and I’ve been training really hard for eight weeks so I’m ready for anything. We’ve seen a few videos of him but I concentrate on myself and feel I’m good enough to adapt. He’s coming into my backyard and it’s intimidating when you have all the people fighting against you. It also gives me an extra 10-15 per cent fighting in front of my home crowd.”
Anderson claimed the Commonwealth Championship in September 2005, but nearly lost his second defence, against Young Muttley last June. Muttley floored Anderson in the second round but the Scot recovered to win with a tenth round stoppage.
“It was the first time I’ve been down but I’ve come back a better fighter. I dropped my hands and he caught me. But I was never in trouble and I picked myself up. I got straight back up then put him down but the ref judged it as a slip. It was the first time in my career I’d gone down and it maybe entered my head but that’s over with now.”
Anderson has only fought once since then and registered a routine points victory against France’s Anthony Guillet in an eight-round non-title contest in November.
But 2007 could be memorable for Anderson as he looks to defend his British title against Eamonn Magee and could also challenge for the European belt.
Anderson, who has won all 18 of his professional fights, added: “I’m in line for the European at the end of the year if everything goes as I want. Hopefully if I win that I wouldn’t be too far off a world title shot but all my thoughts are on Nuumbembe.
“It’s the same prediction every time - that I will come out, work hard and come away with the win. I’m always confident. I’m strong, fast and could beat anyone.”
Michael Emons
