Aberdeen boxer Dean Sutherland is targeting a breakthrough to major televised fight bills after his upcoming Celtic title defence.
The 26-year-old will defend his BBBofC Celtic super-welterweight title against Fraser Wilkinson at the Beach Ballroom, Aberdeen, on Saturday, November 30.
The title showdown is also an eliminator for a shot at the British and Commonwealth titles.
Boasting a pro-record of 18 wins and just one defeat Sutherland is determined to retain his title on the way to securing further belt glory and exposure.
The hotly-anticipated all-North title showdown against Hopeman’s two-weight Scottish champion Wilkinson will be Sutherland’s sixth fight at the Beach Ballroom.
He has revealed it will be his last.
Sutherland says the next time he is in action in the Granite City will be in a mega title fight at Pittodrie or P&J Live.
Sutherland said: “I want to get a television contract. I am so close.
“I just need this fight and then I’m breaking through.
“Although this is defending the Celtic title, it is also about more pride and respect being put on my name.
“It is a stepping stone, that’s what I see it for myself.
“I have absolutely loved fighting at the Beach Ballroom, but I’m moving on to bigger and better things.
“If I don’t believe, try and put it out there, it is not going to happen, so I am putting that pressure on myself.
“The Beach Ballroom is done and dusted after this.
“The next time you see me fighting in Aberdeen will be at P&J Live or Pittodrie.”
British title eliminator update
Sutherland’s Celtic belt defence also doubles up as an eliminator for a shot at the British – currently vacant – and Commonwealth titles.
The British and Commonwealth titles were scheduled to be up for grabs in a unifier clash between Louis Greene and Sam Gilley at York Hall, London last month.
However, the title showdown was cancelled when Greene was forced to withdraw as he was suffering from a virus.
Greene had previously lost out to Gilley on points when defending his super-welterweight Commonwealth title fight in October last year.
With Greene ruled out by illness, Gilley put his Commonwealth title up against replacement fighter Jack McCann and retained the belt with a fourth round stoppage.
Gilley recently linked up with Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions.
Sutherland’s only defeat of his career came at the hands of Greene for that Commonwealth title by fifth round knock-out at the Beach Ballroom in November 2022.
When the title showdown between Greene and Gilley is rearranged, Sutherland wants to be on the undercard to hammer home his own title push.
He said: “Greene had to pull out so I believe they are rearranging it to get that fight put on again.
“If Greene and Gilley are fighting, I want to be on the undercard so they cannot avoid me.
“I have already said to Sam (Kynoch, promoter) that as soon as I beat Fraser, I want on that undercard.”
Working with trainer Joe Ham Sr
Aberdeen boxer Gregor McPherson will also fight on the undercard of Sutherland’s title defence.
Also in action is Scottish champion Ben Bartlett of Dingwall.
Sutherland secured the Celtic title with a stoppage win against previously undefeated holder Sion Yaxley at the Beach Ballroom in May.
Opponent Wilkinson, who has a pro-record of nine wins and one defeat, trains in Aberdeen and is a former sparring partner of Sutherland.
Earlier this year, Sutherland changed training base from the Churchill Gym in London, and the Aberdonian now works with trainer Joe Ham Sr in Glasgow.
Sutherland said: “It has taken it up another level working with Joe.
“The training camp is going brilliantly and I have a fantastic, experienced team around me.
“I am in the gym with great guys who are pushing me and sparring has been great.
“I have been sparring with boxers with different styles and changing it up.
“It is all about keeping levels high.”
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