Grant is looking to grab his opportunity

Hot on the foot of his first professional defeat at the hands of Jason Cook in December’s light-welterweight Prizefighter, 26-year-old Michael Grant intends to make up for lost time.

A third round stoppage courtesy of a nasty cut above his left eye put paid to a chance of the nice little pay day of £32,000 taken by eventual winner Gavin Rees.

Two months on, and this Friday, February 12th Grant now 12-1-1 fights undefeated Steve Williams for the vacant English light-welterweight title.

Looking at his eye Michael admits that he hasn’t had enough time off for it to heal. So why go back in the ring so soon?

“If I didn’t take this chance someone else would.”

An English title represents a step closer to Michael realising his 2010 goals of becoming a British and European champion.

His preparations for Williams have included a ten day spell in Tenerife running up hills and on his return, the training continued at Canning Town’s TKO gym under the careful eyes of trainers Johnny Eames and Derek Grainger which he feels has put him in good stead and with strong chance of victory.

“I’ve been sparring with good opponents Kevin Mitchell and Jamal Morrison. I expect a tough fight but to come out on top.”

His opponent will have his work cut out if Grant’s description of himself is anything to go by.

“I am fast, slick and too hard to hit.”

During his training sessions I’ve noticed that speed is his greatest asset and he has no trouble making the weight of 10st so he should be strong.

In these final days leading up to the fight itself Michael has been shadow boxing, running and skipping.

Today as he sat on a stationary bike and peddled away, the final few pounds will easily fall off aided with a hood on his head and using a trick that legendary trainer Jimmy Tibbs swears by.

As Grant wrapped himself in a thick blanket I asked the watching Tibbs about this.

“It takes 2lbs more off if you have already got a sweat up.”

Tibbs himself could just play a crucial part if the Tottenham-based man is to come home with the title as he will be the cuts man alongside the corner of Eames and Grainger.

Eames thinks Michael will win if his ears are open to instructions.

And coupled with eyes that don’t open up and bleed, he may be right.