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In September, Jack Rafferty told BoxingScene.com that he hoped that a conclusive victory over Ben Fields in their Silver Commonwealth super lightweight title fight would be a springboard to bigger things.
He was right.
Unbeaten Rafferty (21-0. 12 KO’s) became just the second man to stop Fields, breaking him down in nine rounds. This Saturday, he fights former English lightweight champion and Central Area super lightweight champion, Lee Appleyard, for the full Commonwealth title. The fight is also an eliminator for the British 140lb title, currently held by Dalton Smith.
Rafferty has been working away in the shadows at Steve Maylett’s Finest Gym in Manchester for years but a win should open the doors to the mainstream in 2024.
“It’s all coming together now and rightly so. I’ve worked hard and had plenty of fights. I won my first title last time out and my second title’s coming up on December 16th. It’ll only be big fights after this so I’ve got to be ready. Once I’m on that title train I’ll be staying on it,” Rafferty said.
“I’m ready for that British title. I’m chasing it so I will be ready. Once I win this title I’ve got a lot of pulling power. Hopefully, if it’s not the British next I’ll be defending the Commonwealth against a good kid. I’m not looking at that yet - I’m looking only at Lee Appleyard - but what’s after this will be big.”
Appleyard - who was ringside for Rafferty’s battle with Fields - hasn’t boxed since winning the Area title 15 months ago and recently turned 36 years old but he is a proven, experienced operator who boxed for his first title before Rafferty even turned professional.
“He’s been there and done that. He’s fought some of the top kids int he 140lb division. I’m on my game, I believe Lee will be on his and I think it’ll make a cracking fight,” said ‘The Demolition Man’.
“On paper it must be my toughest fight but I’m going to rise to the occasion. There’s the Commonwealth title and it might be one step closer to the British title or that might be next. Who knows. There’s a lot on the line now and there will be a lot on the line after the title is won. He’ll want to win as well. I think it’ll be a very good Lee Appleyard so I’ve got to be on my game and I will be.”
Asked if the fight will go the distance, Rafferty was emphatic.
“Not a chance.”
