Rising cruiserweight contender Wadi Camacho enjoyed a productive debut year in the professional ranks, rattling off six consecutive wins.
Camacho was involved in a slugfest with Hari Miles at the London Olympia last time out but rode the storm to record a knockout victory.
The Canning Town native is back in action at Wembley Arena on March 9, when he is scheduled to challenge for his first title.
Sports Mole caught up with 'Macho' Camacho about advice from David Haye, climbing the pro ranks and standing out from the crowd.
Hi Wadi, you're back out on March 9 hoping to extend your unbeaten record into title class. How are you feeling about the New Year and your career right now?
"I'm looking forward to getting back out there, I've got that hunger now as my last fight should've been a title fight. It is what it is but now I need that title fight. We don't know who yet but as long as I'm moving forward on my way up the cruiserweight division that's the main thing at this stage."
How difficult was it to deal with Toks Owoh's withdrawal at the last minute in December and missing out on the chance to win the Southern Area title?
"It's one of those things that I think I'll have to get used to. At that stage, the week of the fight, your mind is still set. Obviously I ended up fighting Hari Miles, who is also a southpaw and I did have to change my tactics a little bit. I always look to sit on my shots and land big and that won't change. I've got a big tank and going into the seventh round on the night helped me show that for the first time."
Do you still feel at a learning stage of your career or are you anxious to move and climb the division quickly?
"Ideally I don't want to hang around, I want the big fights sooner rather than later. I spar hard and that's given me a whole load of experience, right up into long rounds with the big super heavyweights. It's good to go through the rounds and improve that way, I understand that. In the Miles fight I got caught with a couple of shots that I probably should have moved away from. I like to come into the fights looking fresh and leave the same way."
Do you feel like that's a fine line you'll have to deal with in your career, trying to temper expectations and match your personality to exciting performances?
"You know what, I really do concentrate on my boxing, that has to be my main priority. Number one has to be making sure I get the job done, anything after that outside of the ring is just a bonus. Is it nice to put on a show for the fans of course. I have the Macho girls and an exciting style to watch so if that helps me spread the word then I'm happy about that."
When you get the chance to box on big cards at a venue like Wembley Arena is there any extra pressure to stand out and get noticed?
"I think me and the way I fight just makes a statement anyway because I look different and stand out. A lot of people say I look a bit like David Haye and being a cruiserweight I get that comparison at times. People pay their money and tune in to see big punches and that's what I deliver, guaranteed. When I box I want people to come and see me, in time if I can stay exciting I will hopefully top these kind of bills."
Is David Haye a fighter you look up to and who else is an influence on your style and career?
"As far as David goes, yes and no. When I was in the ABA's David was brilliant, he gave me good advice. My body was still developing at that time and he said to me 'Wadi, if you can't find fights at any point step up to heavyweight, you can still carry the power to beat people'.
"The way David boxes with power, beating people to the punch and finishing in style is ideal and something to aspire to. Personally form a pure fighting point of view I study Winky Wright because he's the best example of that southpaw style. He times his shot beautifully, stays elusive and gets that hook in. I study his movement and try to control my fights with the jab."
So what can we expect from you in 2013, moving into title class and making a statement at domestic level?
"Well nothing is 100% but it looks like my fight at Wembley in March will be for the English or Southern Area title. I need to move into that level now, I'm ready to aim for the top and taking on guys at a higher level will prove that. Hopefully by the end of this year we'll be talking about a British title shot. Watch this space."
