FIGHTING on home soil, Maxi Hughes has the chance to thrust himself into world title contention against Archie Sharp tomorrow night, with even more motivation to get the job done.
Hughes, 28-7-2 (6 KOs), has shown tremendous form to rise beyond the domestic level in recent years, winning the British lightweight title and IBO world title in 2021 before defending the latter against Ryan Walsh and Kid Galahad, respectively, in 2022.
However, a controversial majority decision defeat to George Kambosos Jr. saw Hughes forego the opportunity to challenge Vasyl Lomachenko for the IBF crown. A stoppage defeat to William Zepeda then seemed to mark the end of Hughes’ hopes on the world stage.
Yet, Hughes was able to rout Gary Cully as the away fighter back in December. The South Yorkshire southpaw now finds himself on a second charge towards world honours at age 35.
Friday night sees Hughes fight in front of a hometown crowd at the Eco-Power Stadium in Doncaster, where he faces Archie Sharp, 25-1 (9 KOs), in an intriguing match-up for the WBC Silver title. At the press conference ahead of the clash, Hughes made his goal clear.
“The fire that I’ve got in me right now, you wouldn’t believe it. I’ve held the IBO world title and my goal has always been to get one of the big four. I’ve been very close to that goal before and that’s why I need to win that WBC Silver title here on Friday night – it puts me right in the mix for a world title shot.”
Additionally, as if the allure of a recognised world title was not enough, Hughes went on to detail the motivation he gains from seeing his children cry when he must leave for the gym. This prompts the feelings he intends to make Sharp pay for on Friday.
“Archie Sharp is a good kid but there’s been a lot of sacrifice, a lot of hours in the gym and away from home. I saw my children crying night after night when I had to leave them and go to the gym for hours again. Archie Sharp is going to have to pay for that on Friday.”
Hughes-Sharp will be the co-main event of the Harper-Zimmerman GBM Sports card tomorrow night, with the full bill available to watch live on DAZN from 6pm BST.
