Maidstone boxer Sam Noakes ready for the biggest night of his career when he fights Calvin McCord for the Commonwealth lightweight title at O2 Arena in London

Sam Noakes is just a week away from the biggest night of his boxing career.

Noakes (9-0) faces fellow unbeaten fighter Calvin McCord (12-0) for the vacant Commonwealth lightweight title at London’s 02 Arena next Saturday.

It’s a huge opportunity for the Maidstone boxer to lift a major title so early in his professional career.

It will be a first fight since March for the 25-year-old, who had to take time out after breaking his thumb in sparring.

He’s fully recovered and can’t wait to get at Scottish opponent McCord in front of thousands of fight fans.

The contest is scheduled to go 12 rounds but with Noakes having won all nine of his fights by stoppage, he’s planning to put on a show.

“Without doubt it’s the biggest fight of my career,” said Noakes.

“It’s the first of the big nights and I’m looking forward to it. They’ll start getting harder now.

“I want to get back in there with a good knockout and have a real good 2023, get a few defences and, who knows, maybe go for the British title.

“I want my picture with the British and Commonwealth belts over my shoulder.

“I think there’ll be over 10,000 there, so it’ll be the biggest crowd I’ve fought in front of.

“Because of the size of the fight, you do think about this one a little bit more.

“It’s a proper title, you go down in the history books if you win this, so it gives you that little bit more of an edge.

“That will only bring out the best in me. I can’t wait.”

As the local fighter, Noakes is set to have the crowd on his side at the 02.

McCord, who has two stoppages on his record, will be out to silence them.

Noakes respects his opponent’s record but intends to bring the belt back to Maidstone after relinquishing his WBC International Silver title to take this fight.

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