Dean Sutherland sees tonight’s Commonwealth title fight as his golden ticket to the big leagues of British boxing.
The Aberdeen fighter will top the bill at the Beach Ballroom as he takes on Louis Greene.
Sutherland will step up a weight category to super-welterweight for the Commonwealth contest, as he looks to add a new belt to his collection.
“It’s a big step but a good step for myself,” he said. “It’s one I’m going to take with both hands and I’m really looking forward to it.
“It’s going to be an entertaining fight with the two styles but the fans will be in for a very good night. I’m looking forward to hearing ‘and the new Commonwealth champion’.
“This opens a lot of doors. I’ve said to people this is like my golden ticket to the Willy Wonka Factory.
“This opens up avenues for me. When you put it all together – 14-0, Commonwealth champion, WBC international champion, WBO youth champion, can sell out venues and I’ve just turned 24. That’s a nice little package for anybody.
“Win this then I think you’ll be seeing me on some big platforms next year.”
Sutherland has endured numerous disappointments this year with potential bouts not going ahead but has instead used the time to refine his game in the gym.
“I haven’t had the best of luck this year, with two pull-outs and one after the weigh-in when the Queen passed,” said Sutherland.
“I’ve been in the gym constantly and have massively improved. I’m living the life of a full-time professional athlete and reaping the rewards of it.
“I’m performing personal bests out running and in strength work. Sparring I’m flying through. I’m just hoping for a devastating performance.”
Sutherland’s last bout came in March in Aberdeen, a fight which he admits he was not up for due to a myriad of changes in the weeks leading up to it.
In the end he had to fight sparring partner Corey McCulloch or risk the show being pulled.
“It was just a lot of chopping and changing and I wasn’t mentally ready for that fight,” said Sutherland.
“I had three opponent changes in two weeks then two days before the weigh-in, I was told I either fight Corey, who’s my sparring partner and one of my best mates, or the show doesn’t go ahead.
“I was kind of backed into a corner and I couldn’t get motivated. I sparred with him six days before I fought him.
“It wasn’t me that was in the ring and I couldn’t get up for it. I was frustrated with the performance but I went straight into the gym and rectified the errors.”
During the week he opened the doors to the public to give an insight into his pre-fight preparations.
Alongside fellow north-east fighters Billy Stuart and Gregor McPherson, both of whom are on the undercard on Saturday night, he went through a light training session at Granite City Boxing Club.
“I don’t think it’s been done before up here,” he said. “I thought it’d give people an insight into all the training that goes on, as people maybe only see bits on social media and in the press before fight night.
“There’s a huge gap that people miss out. It wasn’t that hard a session but it was a brilliant experience with a great turnout.
“It’s only going to get bigger and better. The momentum is definitely on our side, with me, Billy and Gregor on the same show.
“It sold out massively before and we probably could have doubled the size of the venue. That’s what we’re looking for next year.”
‘I want to put Aberdeen on the boxing map’ vows undefeated ring star Dean Sutherland
