There’s a glint in the eye of Lewis Sylvester which has not been there for some time. Frustration has given way to a fascination of what could be, and where there was doubt now burns a determination which is unavoidable.
The 27-year-old former English lightweight champion from Hull and one-time British and Commonwealth challenger has a spring in his step, a zip to his punches, but most importantly the look of someone who is ready to make a statement.
All of which is good news given he’s fighting Friday night on the biggest show of his career so far and in a bout that could and should have a telling impact on what comes next.
Sylvester is stepping into the lion’s den, taking on Doncaster favourite Reece Mould in the 30-year-old two-weight former English champion’s own backyard at the Keepmoat Stadium. The huge outdoor show broadcast on DAZN is headlined by Terri Harper’s world lightweight title fight against Natalie Zimmermann, and Maxi Hughes’ clash against Archie Sharp, with Sylvester and Mould meeting for the Lightweight IBO Continental title.
For Sylvester, it’s an opportunity to win a belt but to get back in the mix for potential big fights to come. “I’ve a good opponent in Reece Mould, I’ve known him a long time,” explains Sylvester.
“I believe I am a lot better than him. I’m not at my peak yet. I’ve really trained hard for this fight and I’m really looking forward to it. This is a great opportunity for me on a massive show.”
The first big opportunity had originally come in February last year when Sylvester came up against Sam Noakes for the British and Commonwealth titles, not to mention WBC and WBO International belts which were also up for brags.
Stopped in the fourth round having been knocked down three times in the fight, Sylvester left the Copper Box in London questioning his ability and with doubts about the way forward. As it turns out, it’s what Noakes did next and not what Sylvester did which offered encouragement.
The Maidstone man has gone on to decimate the lightweight division, with 15 stoppages in 17 fights and has added the European title to all his domestic crowns. The world awaits for Noakes, and fresh optimism awaits for Sylvester.
“Did I take the British title fight too early, yes I think I did,” says Sylvester. “But you don’t turn down a chance to fight for the British title, no matter who it is against or where and when.
“Last year I questioned whether I was good enough, but then you look at what he’s achieved after fighting me and it’s not that I’m not good enough, it’s that he’s just an unbelievable talent. I came to the realization I am good enough, and I found that fresh desire. Here I am about to fight on a massive show at a stadium and for a title.
“My issue was I went from the Noakes fight to fighting journeymen again and I couldn’t get up for it. I got myself to a level where I was fighting for titles and then it felt like a drop back, but I’m over that now and have this massive title fight. I’m confident I beat Reece and then it’s on to bigger and better things for me.”