Cardigan boxer Ben Rees-Davies will take the first steps on what he hopes will be the pathway to the 2018 Commonwealth Games when he enters the ring this Saturday night.
Rees-Davies takes on Connor Mcintosh from Port Talbot in the preliminaries of the 2017 Welsh Senior Championships at the Rhondda Fach Sports Centre, Tylorstown.
The proud Cardi and soldier with the Royal Welsh will be fighting in the 64kg light welter division and his ambition he says is to win the National title and then secure a spot in the Commonwealth team.
Speaking this week Rees- Davies confirmed that his preparations were on course and said:
“Training camp has gone very well and making the weight has been a lot easier this year so that’s one thing not to worry about which let’s me focus entirely on my boxing.
“Sparring has been brilliant as I have been getting rounds in with professional prospect and Commonwealth champion Josh Taylor who is under former World Champion Barry Mcguigan.
“I have also been sparring with my English team mates in title holder Ryan Fillingham and Southern area champ Oliver Knight.”
Another major difference this season according to the affable young man is that his head and mind are in a better place, as he explains:
“Mentally my approach to the championships has been a completely different one, staying relaxed not thinking too much into it and just making sure now that I turn up and perform to my full potential when it counts.
“Last year I didn’t have the best build up as I went through a tough time with the family, which took away my focus on the boxing but this season I have now been completely focused and positive in the build up.
This weeks training has been tapered down, focusing on staying sharp and just ticking over until fight day and looking towards fight night the Royal Welshman says he is expecting a tough battle against an experienced fighter and added:
“ My opponent lost in the semi-finals last year and he will be tough to beat and I never underestimate my opponents, but I know full well I’m capable of beating everyone in my weight category. This year I’m aiming to perform and show my true potential and get that Welsh title.
“It’s a big year leading up to the Commonwealth games next year so it’s time to shine and turn up on the day and do the business!
Go Ben.
