SAM NOAKES is desperate to kick off a new knockout hot streak against Gianluca Ceglia after going the distance for the first time in his last outing.
The 27-year-old puncher was 13-0 with 13 KOs until he faced Yvan Mendy for the European title at York Hall in April.
And the judges were required for the first time in Noakes’ career after the Frenchman held on until the final bell – although all three at ringside scored Noakes a 120-108 shutout winner.
The Maidstone man admits the end of the streak annoyed him but now he is ready to channel that frustration into the first defence of his European title, when he takes on Italy’s Ceglia at the same venue on September 6.
“It was good but I’m a bit gutted that I lost the streak,” he said of his victory over Mendy.
“I do feel that it has ticked another box now – people were saying I’m good when it’s going my own way but can he hold the distance? I’m glad I’ve ticked that box. I’ve done the distance now and I don’t want to again, 12 rounds is a long time.
“I wasn’t struggling in there but once the bells goes it all just hits you. When I’m fighting I haven’t got time to think that I’m tired but at the end when you’ve done it all, it all hits you – fight week, making the weight, interviews. It all just hits you.
“Everyone wants the stoppage. Nobody lies in bed dreaming about going the distance. But the streak ending is like a silver lining, I don’t have that added pressure every fight but I would still rather have the pressure.
“Now it would be nice to get on a new streak starting with Ceglia. It’s business as always, it’s my first mandatory. I think it’s a good fight, he just comes forward so I’m looking forward to it. Keep winning is all I can do really.”
Noakes has now won British, Commonwealth and European titles at lightweight and he is currently ranked No.7 with the WBO – so how long until he gets a crack at world honours?
“I haven’t got a clue,” he said. “I just take one fight at a time. I should have another two fights this year but I don’t think I’ll be fighting for a world title in either of those.
“The division is mental, there are so many big names. I just need a few more fights, gradually keep stepping them up. If it’s not until the end of 2025 I don’t mind, I’m in no rush.”
