Daws primed for big battle

Wimbledon Guardian Simon Fitzjohn5th February, 2010

With just two weeks to go until the first defence of his British Light-Welterweight title, Morden's Lenny Daws insists he is in the shape of his career.

Daws faces former European Lightweight Champion Jason Cook at Bethnal Green next Friday in what could very easily be a career-defining fight.

And the 31-year-old, who has targeted a Lonsdale Belt this year, is raring to go.

Daws said: "I feel brilliant - I'm in really good shape and the preparations have gone really well.

"I am going to have no problems making the weight whatsoever and as a fighter that really takes some of the pressure off.

"I have stepped up my sparring recently and put in a lot of road work and there is no doubt I will be ready.

"This week will be all about easing things down so I go into the fight fresh and ready to impress."

The Morden man will certainly not be underestimating his Welsh opponent, with Cook recently raising some eyebrows in the televised Prizefighter tournament.

But Daws insists he has everything in control.

He added: "I have watched Jason on DVD and sparred accordingly.

"He is very dangerous early on so I have put a lot of work into my defence - blocking hooks and right hands.

"This is his last chance to get back into the big time so I know he is going to come at me and I have to be ready for that."

It is also a return to the big time for Lenny, with the fight top of the bill on Sky.

And Daws is determined not to waste his chance.

He added: "This is a massive opportunity for me and I can really make a statement.

"I want this fight to lead to bigger and better things.

"I cannot afford to slip up and I am very confident that I won't."