Image:Paul Upton (L) is confident that beating Ted Cheeseman will get him the recognition he deserves
Pauly Upton is adamant he can spring a surprise at York Hall on June 6 by relieving Ted Cheeseman of his WBA super-welterweight International title.
Upton boasts an unbeaten record of 15-0-KO3 heading into the contest, live on Sky Sports, and while he accepts he is yet to face a fighter as good as Cheeseman (13-0-KO8), he insists the step up will inspire him to new heights in performance.
Upton said: "I can only beat who they put in front of me and I've beaten everyone to date. I know Cheeseman is my biggest test but I'm also his biggest test.
"I deserve more recognition and hopefully after this fight, the public will start to notice me more.
Image:Cheeseman impressively beat Carson Jones last time out
"It's a massive chance. These are the kind of fights you can really get up for. In this game, nothing comes easy and that's especially true when you don't have a big promoter.
"In order to get the big shots, you've got to take risky fights like this and hopefully it will pay off in the end.
"They only gave us four-and-a-half weeks' notice but I've been training and ticking over just waiting for a call like the one I got.
"Beating Cheeseman will earn me a top ranking in Britain and a decent ranking with the WBA. I want a massive year after this fight and some shots at titles. Beating him will ensure I get those."
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Ted Cheeseman said he wanted more big fights after he passed the Carson Jones test
Okolie will challenge Commonwealth champion Luke 'The Duke' Watkins to headline the bumper York Hall bill, while featherweight powerhouse Reece Bellotti puts his Commonwealth strap and unbeaten record on the line against 'Ruthless' Ryan Doyle.
Fresh from his stunning professional debut, sensational Kazakh amateur Daniyar Yeleussinov will make his first UK appearance, while emerging prospects Felix Cash and Sean McGoldrick will also look to continue their rise up the rankings.
