ODIHAM professional boxer Matt Goddard reckons he can win titles with a bit of help from his fans.
Goddard launches his big year when he boxes on manager Mickey Helliet's championship bill at the Fareham Leisure Centre on Saturday February 23.
Floyd Moore tops the bill when he battles for the International Masters lightweight championship and Goddard plans to follow his stable-mate into title contention.
The 22 year-old is banking on his fabulous fans cheering him up the lightweight rankings.
Goddard said: “When I was an amateur I would only have about 15 supporters watching and it made me really nervous.
“When I hear my supporters now, it makes me feel fantastic and gives me the confidence to box how I can. My supporters play a big part.”
So far, Goddard’s supporters have seen him chalk up three straight wins and he added: “If I keep winning, I should be ready for a title shot by the end of the year.
“I’ve got no idea how far I can go. I just want to give boxing everything I’ve got and see how much I can achieve.”
Goddard is a student of boxing and will be hitting the books – as well as the punch bags – in the countdown to his next fight.
The Odiham fighter said: “I went to the boxing gym to get fit – but when I started to learn about the techniques it fascinated me and I wanted to learn more.
“People don’t realise how intelligent boxers have to be. I’m always reading boxing biographies and text books because you can never know too much.
“You keep getting asked questions in the boxing ring and when you don’t have the answer, you’re in trouble.”
Goddard says sparring is the most crucial part of his boxing education and will be swapping blows with world-title contender Gavin Rees in the coming weeks.
The Welshman heads to Atlantic City next month to challenge Adrien Broner for the WBC lightweight title and Goddard said: “I’ve sparred Gavin before – and it’s tough, but it does me good. I have to sharpen up and come up with answers quickly – or I’m in trouble.
“We are always sparring in the gym. It’s where I get to try out everything I’ve learned.”
Goddard is looking for sponsors and anyone who can help or wants tickets for the show in Fareham should contact 07803 837129.
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