Anthony Fowler is looking to revitalise his career with a move to middleweight after his devastating loss to local rival Liam Smith.
The 30-year-old lost via TKO to Smith in the eighth round of the contest for the WBA International super-welterweight title back in October.
And Fowler is honest, admitting it was a real struggle to make championship weight.
“My main problem in that fight wasn't my technique or my strength, I never had the stamina,” he said.
“Behind the scenes, I really struggled with the weight, watching the weigh-in back, I was a proper ill man, I was really withdrawn, had a banging headache and was really drained."
His gold medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games was at Middleweight and he had wanted to move back up in early 2021 but was offered a three fight deal and a world title shot at 154lbs.
Reflecting on the decision to stay at super-welterweight, the 15-2 fighter said:
“I could make the weight but it is one thing making it, it’s another performing at it.”
He recognises the threat that Lukasz Maciec poses on Sunday night at the 02 Arena in London.
The 32-year-old boasts a record of 27 wins, 3 losses and a draw, and has never been stopped.
Fowler has done his research.
“He’s fought some decent names. He’s clearly a tough, strong fella. He is not going anywhere early, put it that way,” he said.
In the immediate future after Sunday’s contest, The Machine is hoping for a shot at the British Middleweight Championship.
Linus Udofia and Denzel Bentley will fight for the vacant title with the date yet to be announced.
Former British Middleweight champion Felix Cash is an exciting fighter that Fowler fancies his chances against.
He has not given up on a world title fight yet, and inspiration comes from fellow Scouse boxer Natasha Jonas, who won a world title at the third attempt aged 37.
The fight is expected to start at 7/8pm UK time tonight.
