Kirk Garvey: English title win will give me a lot more career options

Kirk Garvey boxes for the English light-heavweight title tomorrow – and knows that a second successive defeat would be a major blow to his career hopes.

The Clapham puncher lost a narrow points decision to Andre Sterling when he challenged for the vacant Southern Area belt in November.

But Garvey, 29, is following up that setback by facing English champion Miles Shinkwin at Bethnal Green’s York Hall this weekend.

“I don’t know where I would go if I didn’t win this one,” he said. “I’d probably be down the pecking order, could I be bothered to do it all again? If I win this fight then there is a lot of opportunity out there for me. There is a lot on the line for this fight.

“It kind of feels like the Sterling loss was a bit of a blessing in disguise – if I’d won then some of the other fighters might have looked to avoid me. I didn’t perform great and Shinkwin has chosen me, he probably thinks I’m not quite ready for it. I’ll give him a shock.

“I don’t think I was mentally there last time. In a way, I possibly overlooked Sterling. I trained hard, and I was fit but it just didn’t happen for me – I wasn’t throwing punches. As soon as I did, I hurt him – but I didn’t finish the job. I wasn’t as vicious or spiteful as I usually am. It has been a big wake-up call for me – waking up that next day having such an empty feeling. I hated that feeling. I don’t want it again.”

Garvey (11-2) was a decorated amateur with Earlsfield ABC, also boxing for England on the international scene.

“He [Shinkwin] is a good fighter,” said the South Londoner. “He is awkward. We’ve sparred in the amateurs, but never in the pros. He’s tough, durable and fit. He comes to fight – which should make it entertaining for the fans. I just think I’ll be too good for him.

“I can see him walking onto a shot. If I do hurt him then I have got to take him out. I’m not going to make any prediction, all I am going to say is it will be a Garvey win.”

Also in title action this weekend is Walworth cruiserweight Richard Riakporhe. The big-hitting 29-year-old – who has stopped seven of his opponents in compiling a perfect 8-0 record – defends his WBA inter-continental title against Tommy McCarthy in Peterborough tomorrow.

PICTURES BY SIMON ANNAND