Gary Buckland on Career Future, Title Dreams, More

By Shaun Brown

There’s been more to like than dislike about Gary Buckland’s impressive run of six wins in seven fights since May 2010. What began with a loss to John Murray, led to success when winning cult tourney ‘Prizefighter’ last November and culminated with the status as new British super-featherweight champion after a domestic FOTY candidate with Gary Sykes just over a month ago.

“I made mistakes going into the fight,” said Buckland 24-2 (8) when talking to Boxing Scene, firstly, about his loss to Murray.

“John’s a top fighter and I took a lot away from that fight which has helped me over the last year. I feel better than ever at super featherweight; confident, strong and with a lot to look forward to.”

After only a week off since his victory over Sykes, the hot streak rolls on for Buckland with his first title defence against Paul Truscott on Nov 26 in Newport where his fans, and he, will be on home soil since 2009.

“It’ll be great to have my supporters somewhere that they haven’t had to travel miles to get to. They’ve been all over to the likes of Stoke, Widnes and London. So for that alone I’ll put on a show for them on the night,” declared Buckland.

On paper, Truscott a former featherweight looks a comfortable night’s work for the 25-year-old. But regardless of opponent or size, nothing is being left to chance.

“What I worked so hard for to take from Sykes I’ll work twice as hard to stop Truscott taking from me,” explained Buckland.

“I haven’t watched any of his fights because I just don’t tend to watch fights of the other guy. But from what others have told me, he’s tall, little bit awkward and allows himself to get drawn into a fight. I know he’s coming up in weight but I don’t think my strength will be the deciding factor. I’ll just have too much for him.”

With Ricky Burns’ decision to vacate his world title at 130lbs and move up to lightweight there is a gap in the market for another British super featherweight to take on the world for major honours. And Buckland doesn’t plan to be on the domestic scene for too long.

“Next year I want a European title fight. Recently it was Burns as number one in Britain and me as number two. Now he’s gone up in weight I’ve taken over. I know that (Adrien) Broner is now fighting for the WBO title but that’s what I’m aiming towards. He’s a very good fighter but I’m working away so I get a chance at someone like him, if it comes up I’ll take it no problem.”