Ted Cheeseman to defend British title in Newcastle against Scott Fitzgerald

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Ted Cheeseman puts his British super-welterweight title on the line against Scott Fitzgerald at the Utilita Arena Newcastle on October 19.

The champion, from Bermondsey, has endured a difficult 2019. He lost a European title challenge to Sergio Garcia in February and then drew with Kieron Conway in the first defence of his domestic crown.

Cheeseman (15-1-1) revealed in June that a gambling addiction saw him lose close to £1million.

“I’m in a much better position both mentally and physically now,” said the South Londoner. “It’s not about how you start the year, it’s about how you end it. When I win this fight I’ll be back at the top of the domestic super-welterweight scene.

“Everyone is going to be intrigued by this fight. I’ll be the underdog in this one coming off a loss and a draw. It’s going to be an explosive fight. A win over Scott will shut everyone up and put me back at the top of the pile.”

Fitzgerald (13-0) is coming off a career-best win as he dealt Anthony Fowler his first defeat at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena in March.

“I thought Cheeseman beat Conway but after that performance I’m confident I can beat him,” said the challenger. “I’m just working my hardest so I’m prepared for the best version of Ted Cheeseman possible to turn up.

The bout is on the undercard of Robbie Davies Jr vs. Lewis Ritson, and will be shown live on Sky Sports.