Hughes training hard for his Commonwealth title chance

After a four round win over Belfast's Michael Harvey in December, Bellshill's Kris Hughes is aiming to upset the odds by overcoming another Ulsterman and this time a heavily favoured fighter in Carl Frampton, when he challenges him on January 28th at York Hall for the Commonwealth title.

Making his second attempt at the same title, a respectful Hughes makes it clear that he rates his opponent.

“Carl Frampton is a good fighter and he has a good start to his pro career. I do mind him from the old schoolboy days and it seems that he has built on those days well.”

The super-bantamweight domestic title picture has Frampton with the Commonwealth belt and Scott Quigg with the British title and there is some speculation that the two are to meet in the summer, something that Hughes is aware of.

“I would also say Frampton and his team are overlooking me to bigger fights, but it is like that when there are two undefeated champions with the British and Commonwealth.

"But if I am honest that’s the way I like it as there is more pressure on him than me.”

Losing a twelve round points decision to Welshman Jamie Arthur in his previous attempt, Hughes feels he has an advantage as having gone the full distance previously, as the Ulsterman has only gone ten rounds once.

"Having previously done twleve rounds with (Jamie) Arthur, it does make a big difference as it should be easier doing it next time round. I feel for any fighter it's hard on the mind doing your first twleve rounder, especially if you're in with a fighter who has done it before.”

In training for this fight Hughes is undertaking a rigorous training regime; Hughes has left his girlfriend and child in Bellshill to endure a 28-day training camp in Fauldhouse under the guise of experienced coach Colin McNeil. The camp is being funded by local businessman Gerry Gallagher.

“Well I am training at least four times a day," says Hughes. In the morning I am doing my cardiovascular and road work. Then I am sparring in the afternoon. Colin has got me working hard and I have had some hard sparring and got some even harder sparring lined up. With all the training and the sparring I am undertaking, it's hard not to feel confident!”

York Hall is the neutral venue for the fight, but it doesn’t phase the Bellshill southpaw. “I have boxed mostly in Scotland, but have also fought in Wales and London before. I have never boxed at the York Hall before and should be good for my first time, and also topping the bill will be a great experience for me.

“I am planning and training for twleve hard rounds, if I get anything earlier then that is a bonus on the night.”

Carl Frampton v Kris Hughes is Live on Sky Sports 1 at 9pm on Saturday 28th January.

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