Leeds-trained boxer Jermaine Springer eyeing Wembley upset

The light-heavyweight squares up to Thomas Whittaker-Hart in an eight-round battle on the Katie Taylor versus Miriam Gutierrez undercard at the SSE Arena, shown live on Sky Sports.

Liverpool’s Whittaker-Hart, managed by former WBC cruiserweight king Tony Bellew, signed promotional terms with Eddie Hearn last month and will be hoping to impress on his Matchroom debut, but Springer, from Bradford, has other ideas.

Trained by Al Osta at the Ultra Flex Gym in Leeds, Springer – known as ‘Showtime’ – heads into his first TV appearance sporting a record of seven wins and one loss since turning pro’ in March 2018. And the 32-year-old says he is ready to cause an upset against former amateur standout Whittaker-Hart.

“I’ve got nothing to lose,” Springer said. “He has just signed a multi-fight deal with Matchroom, he’s managed by Tony Bellew and he’s the amateur star that has all of the pressure and expectation on him. For me, I’ve just got to go out there and have a fight. It’s a much more simple situation for me. It’s a lot more complicated for him.”

Springer knows what he is up against. He predicted: “I think it will be a good fight, he’s not just a one trick pony – he’s an all round good fighter.

“He’s got good speed, good power and a good jab. He can fight at distance and he can fight up close on the inside. I think our styles will gel.

“I’m going to bring the fire. This is my opportunity, I’m used to fighting at small hall shows. This is what I dream about, fighting on Matchroom shows live on Sky. I’m normally watching them on TV.”