PURE CARNAGE: BILLY PICKLES IN YORKSHIRE 50/50

Undefeated Yorkshire Super Lightweight Billy ‘The Kid’ Pickles, 13-0 (1), is fighting in a huge 50/50 step up this Friday 26th May at the Premier Banqueting Suite in Leeds

In front of his home supporters and topping the bill, Billy declared to me that this fight “means everything” and that he has to go out there and do the business on Friday evening when he faces Jamie Sampson, 9-1 (0), over eight rounds.

As a local man, Billy has been fighting on the small-hall Leeds circuit since his debut in 2016, but recently he’s picked up an incredible surge of momentum winning his last fight in February by TKO over known power puncher Mohamed Mutalemwa, 12-4-1 (11).

But on Friday evening, ‘The Kid’ is facing Sheffield born southpaw Jamie Sampson in a big northern clash promoted by Dennis Hobson Jnr in the super-lightweight division. There’s nothing like a Yorkshire derby!

Billy urged his fans to be prepared for a great fight from both men. “We’re both coming for the big win in a brilliant 50-50 matchup.”

Jamie Sampson has been out of the ring for a while but has a lot of ring craft and experience,  a pro since 2011. which could pose a threat. Despite this, Billy isn’t phased at all confidently admitting that he’s “prepared for every possible style that Jamie’s going to bring to the table.” Billy is no stranger to experience either, as an amateur he had nearly seventy fights winning 56 and picking up a national title.

After a solid training camp Pickles gives the aura he’s ready for fight night, telling me "training camp's gone really well, I have ticked all the boxes coming into this fight.”

Being careful not to get carried away after his TKO win last time out, Billy is preparing to stick to his gameplan and box wisely. Regarding a potential stoppage and me pestering him for a guarantee of action he'll only say ,“if the opportunity does come then I’ll go for it" . Billy, for the majority of his fights, has outpointed his opponents, similar to Sampson. A technical match-up could be a strong possibility and game-plans will have to be on point.

The super-lightweight division is completely stacked with British talent. Fighters such as Ohara Davies, Lewis Ritson and Robbie Davies Jr are the more recognisable of the bunch, but there’s a man in Leeds to be taken seriously in the domestic scene in his eyes.

When I asked Billy if there’s anyone in the top twenty he has his eyes on he responded simply: “just the number one spot.” So, watch out British super-lightweights, “The Kid” is here to make waves.

Letting myself get carried away, I asked what exactly is next after you beat Jamie Sampson? I was met with a calm, cool response. “I’m not going to look beyond this fight. I need to get the job done, then I’ll see what’s next.”

Get yourself down to Premier Banqueting on Stoney Rock Lane where the doors will open at 5:30 with boxing starting at 7:30 for a great night of action to support Billy in his bid for glory.