Linus Udofia says he’s excited to become the English middleweight champion for a second time as he believes a win against Dan Catlin will propel him back into the big fights.
The title clash at York Hall tonight will be the Luton puncher’s first time in the ring this year after a stop-start period that included an horrific looking end to his challenge for the WBA intercontinental crown 11 months when he eye swelled shut against Kieran Conway. Medics bizarrely put it down to an allergic reaction.
But the 31-year-old has been English champion before, five years ago when beat Tyler Denny on points. Then Covid hit. But after defending the crown with a ninth round TKO over John Harding Jnr, Udofia vacated the belt to challenge for the British crown in May 2022 where he suffered the first defeat of his career in a close split decision points call against Denzel Bentley.
Two wins were then sandwiched between his second and only other defeat against Conway and that eye injury, but in his time away from the ring, since a December points win over Dylan Courtney, the Lutonian has seen former opponents Denny and Bentley go on to bigger titles, while his friend and stablemate Brad Pauls claimed the British title this year. And now Udofia believes it’s his time to join them.
Appearing on the Luton Town Supporters’ Trust football podcast, the Hatters fan said: “My head’s in it, I’m locked in and, do you know what, I’ve been excited for fights before, I fought for the British title, I’ve fought for the WBA international, I fought for a lot titles before and I’m genuinely excited, I’ve genuinely got the buzz.
“I’ve had a few stagnating lulls for various reasons in my career in the last two years. But, genuinely, I haven’t been up for fight like this in a while.”
He added: “I’m trying to get a lot of momentum. I’m seeing people that I’ve fought like Tyler Denny and he’s gone on to have an absolute great run, just beating opponents, one of mates, he beat Brad who just won the British title.
“Now Tyler’s a European champion. Denzel Bentley, since we fought for the British (title), he’s fought maybe six times. He’s won some, lost some and now he’s a WBO international or European champion.
“I’m just like, when can I get that momentum going? It’s been so inconsistent but this fight and winning this in a good fashion really sets me up to go on that run now.
“That’s what I’m really excited about. When I fought Kieran Conway it was the same thing, then I got an injury which slowed me down.
“I had a comeback fight, literally six weeks later, came back in and trie to get something and then I got bronchitis and that put me out for four months.
“It’s like, come on, can I just get a run going. I feel like this is now that time. I’m pretty sure I’m entering into that point in my life. I’m 31 now, entering into that point where it’s foot down, let’s get to the pedal, let’s get biting at it and let’s get rolling.
“I’m seeing everyone around me move and I’m like what’s going on? Why am I still stood here?”
Saturday’s opponent Catlin (10-1) will be experiencing his first shot at a national title and his first time in the famous York Hall, where Udofia has battled in 15 of his 21 bouts.
“He’s a good operator, I know exactly what I’m going up against,” said Udofia, adding: “I’ve been doing this a long time, I’ve been English champion before, this is nothing new to me. He’s nothing new to me.”
Winning the English strap for a second time will make Luton boxing history as the first fighter from the town to win the same crown twice. And while he won’t take Catlin lightly, he’s got his sights set on bigger prizes.
“I don’t want to walk too far away from this fight but I’m really trying to be active this year,” Udofia said, adding: “So, when we get the win on Saturday, it’s wishful, but I’d like to get out in December or February and then defend it or see what opens up, see what opportunity opens up and then jump at things and start rolling. I think I can probably get a British (title) by June.”
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