Undefeated Aberdeen boxer Dean Sutherland aims to mark his step up to super-welterweight with a knock-out victory.
The 23-year-old will fight Bulgarian Angel Emilov over six rounds at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Glasgow, on Friday night.
Boasting a flawless pro return of 13 wins from 13 bouts, Sutherland will step up a weight for the first time to super-welter.
It will be Sutherland’s first fight since a comprehensive 98-90 points win over Corey McCulloch at the Beach Ballroom, Aberdeen in March.
Highly-rated Sutherland, aka “Deadly”, is aiming for a stoppage win against Emilov ahead of a much-anticipated return to the Granite City.
Southpaw Sutherland will fight for a major title when headlining at the Beach Ballroom on Saturday, November 26.
He said: “I have seen him (Emilov) fight a couple of times and I expect him to bring it.
“When he is in with decent boxers and they hit him with a good few shots, he comes for it.
“Then he lands a good few shots of his own.
“I expect him to be dangerous, but I will put on a clinical performance.
“My objective is to get him out of there early.”
Feeling great at new weight division
Sutherland secured three titles at welterweight before stepping up a division.
He pushed hard at welter by taking on tough fights, going up against boxers with impressive records… and triumphing.
In winning the WBO Youth title, Sutherland stopped Jose Delgado Velazquez, who had won 10 of 11 pro fights.
Then “Deadly” stopped Michele Esposito to claim the WBC International Silver belt.
Former Italian champion Esposito had previously never been stopped in his 10-year career and had won 18 of 23 fights prior to facing Sutherland.
Sutherland said: “Preparations for this fight have been brilliant and I feel really confident at the new weight.
“I have been able to put on a good bit of muscle and practise on a lot of things such as explosive work.
“I feel great for this fight.”
Sparring sessions ahead of fight
A former multiple-weight world champion in kick-boxing, Sutherland changed sports in 2018.
He has quickly racked up title success and is now targeting more belts at super-welter.
Confirmation of the title he will fight for in Aberdeen in November is set to be announced soon after the Glasgow fight.
Sutherland was scheduled to top a home city fight at the Beach Ballroom in June. However, that fight was cancelled.
Now Sutherland aims to bounce back with a 14th pro victory.
In preparation for the Glasgow showdown, Sutherland has packed in sparring sessions with undefeated Hassan Azim.
At amateur level, Azim won six national titles and secured a Youth Olympics bronze medal.
Azim boasts a pro record of four wins from four fights and works with renowned trainer Shane McGuigan.
Sutherland said: “I sparred at the McGuigan gym with Hassam Azim, which was a great experience.
“Then I got good sparring rounds up here in Aberdeen to keep everything nice and sharp.
“I feel great for this fight in Glasgow.
“After that, all the focus goes on to Aberdeen where I aim to have a long training camp in preparation.”
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