English light-middleweight champion Erick Ochieng continues his climb towards British title contention with a fight on March 9 at Wembley Arena.
The 25-year-old is riding a six-fight win streak, which continued at the London Olympia in December with a points victory over Max Maxwell.
'The Eagle' is now looking to move his career to the next level in 2013, with a British title chance at the top of his agenda.
Sports Mole spent some time with the ever-positive Ochieng to talk title fights, big nights and making a statement on the 'London's Finest' bill.
How much are you looking forward to putting that December performance behind you and moving your career forward in March?
"I'm feeling great and plan to take care of business on the 9th in style. Obviously we've just been in the gym since Christmas ticking over, I went hard on the turkey but by the time March arrives I'll be focused and ready to put on a show for my fans."
You endured a frustrating night in your last fight against Max Maxwell, securing the win on points but not winning in the style you'd like. What did you think of the performance?
"Well you can only beat what's put in front of you and Max Maxwell was a tough opponent but was basically just there to survive and hold. I'm looking to move and and obviously the next fight, God willing, will be for the British title, or at least an eliminator for that title. I'm more than ready for that and whoever I end up fighting."
Do you feel you're at the stage of your career where you want a test, a live opponent that comes in with designs on beating you and making a real fight of it?
"It doesn't matter if I get a guy that comes forward who wants to hold and spoil, my job is to take them out. I've been waiting for this title shot for a while now but believe me, when it comes I will grab it with both hands. To be honest if you check my record I've only had 13 fights and I've got the English title already so I can't complain, or I choose not to. I just try to take the positive from everything, I'm moving forward and I have to look at it that way."
Do you feel like you are still learning and improving holes in your game?
"Without doubt, every day has to be that way for me in my career, trying to learn and get better. I keep saying this but you haven't seen the best of me yet. In the ring there is a lot more to come from the Eagle. Some people ask 'when was your best performance?', I tell them it's the next one."
Finally what does it mean to be boxing at Wembley Arena, a venue that represents the biggest stage of your career so far?
"On a bill like this I've got to stand out, you have to shine. Some people accuse of me of trying to look good, I tell them 'no, I just look good'. It's all part of the game, we're in the entertainment business, you have to draw fans on shows like this. The place is going to be packed, so I'm going to bring my whole team down there and make big things happen. The Eagle will be soaring in 2013."
Liam Power
