Hooks ABC boxer Xavier Lake says he is in the best shape of his life ahead of his Under-75kgs semi-final clash with Ashley Dumetz (Fitzroy Lodge) at the London round of the development championships in Lewisham on Saturday afternoon.

The winner will face Tomothy Agbetile of Repton in the final on Sunday.

Lake beat Neasden’s Delroy Dapaah on a unanimous points decision after three tough two-minute rounds and is looking forward to taking on Dumetz.

He said: “I feel great. I had two tough fights against two really strong kids and I’m really happy that I’m the north west division champion.

“If I had two easy bouts then I might get a nasty surprise this weekend.

“Normally I’ve got a good range and I’m able to outjab my opponent but Dapaah surprised me with how easily he could jab me back. It tested me and I’m happy that I was able to win. I gave it my all and I knew I had to show the judges that I was the winner.

“I’m as fit as I’ve ever been and if I wasn’t I don’t think I would have made it through the six rounds over the two days.

“I was knackered ahead of my second fight – I was falling asleep for most of the day because I was so exhausted from the fight the night before.

“I’ve also got my stuntman swimming test to do as well.

“It’s about an hour long, I’ve got to do swimming with clothes on, with clothes off, swimming under water, timed lengths – it’s quite intense.

“Obviously my fitness from the boxing certainly helps.”

Coach Steve Newland was pleased to see Lake make it through to the final after light heavyweight Michael Ofo was beaten on a split decision in his semi-final.

Newland said: “I wanted Xavier to look like the winner all the way through.

“He boxed well in his semi-final fight against the boy Turkiev from Dale Youth.

“He followed that up in the final, he stayed on the front foot. I told him that the guy would be looking to work on the inside and not to let him in because he isn’t comfortable going back.

“The big clubs are coming in now but he is ready for that. He is learning all the time. Every fight is giving him that bit more experience and a bit more confidence.

“I’m very hopeful ahead of the London finals. The fact he has the experience of the Box Cup will help him.

“He was winning in the final but an experienced guy came at him and he didn’t know how to handle that, but he has that experience now to use next week.”

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