Luke Wilton takes aim at flyweight rivals
Belfast’s Luke Wilton is open to offers in and around his weight class and the exciting 21-year-old wants to start mixing with the elite fighters on the domestic scene. Speaking after a well-earned rest period, Luke has his eyes on London’s Ashley Sexton.“I’m still learning but with a couple of eight-rounders under my belt I feel capable of pushing on to British title level. Usman Ahmed is an opponent I fought before and I will target him and Ashley Sexton; I would fancy my chances against Sexton,” explained the man nicknamed ‘Winky’ (pictured left).
“I haven’t heard of anything [regarding upcoming bouts] yet but I’ve got back to training now, after a Christmas break, in anticipation of something coming up. I was out running in the snow and back to pads and bags. I was sparring Stevie Quinn Jnr while he prepared for the All-Ireland tournament.”
A May date in Belfast could materialise on a Belfast Promotions card if things go to plan and with Wilton sitting fourth in the British rankings, a title opportunity could soon come knocking.
“Anything from flyweight up to bantamweight will do me, I’m in good shape,” Luke enthused. “I saw Chris Edwards’ last fight [a points Commonwealth win over Abmerk Shindjuu] and he walked on to a few shots in there – he’s hittable.”
Wilton lifted the lid on his sparring sessions with fellow flyweight campaigner Jamie Conlan and was complimentary on the chances of his contemporary making a noise in the pro ranks.
“Jamie and I sparred before our Odyssey fights and it was a good workout, he’ll adapt well. The actual fight against Kevin Coglan, in the Odyssey Arena, was non-stop, neither of us wanted to give up and there was no way I was going to get beaten or draw another one. Kevin was very tough and took everything I hit him with and kept coming back for more.”
By mastering Darlington novice Coglan, Wilton improved his record to 6-2-1 and has now put the disappointment of losing to 100-fight veteran Delroy Spencer (a man Luke had already beaten twice) firmly behind him. A first round KO of Muharem Osmanov shortly after was slightly tainted by the Bulgarian import’s lack of resistance.
“The Holiday Inn outing was a disappointment and even though a win’s a win he didn’t put up much of a fight,” bemoaned Wilton.
“I was expecting more from the guy but it kept me on a winning run and staying active is important.
“I want fights at flyweight or super-flyweight. I’m waiting for the first promoter who rings and I’ll be ready.”
Submitted by Steve Wellings on 10 March, 2010 - 20:21
