Curtis Woodhouse is hoping to realise his ambitions in the ring next month when he fights for his first professional belt.
Yorkshireman targets British Masters International title
Footballer-turned-boxer Curtis Woodhouse is hoping to realise his ambitions in the ring next month when he fights for his first professional belt.
The 29-year-old, who played midfield for Sheffield United, Birmingham and England Under-21s during his football career, will clash with Jay Morris for the British Masters International light-welterweight title.
Morris is the only man to have inflicted a defeat on Woodhouse, who holds an impressive record of 11 victories in 12 fights, and the Yorkshireman will no doubt be out for revenge in the Rotherham rematch on February 28.
"When I decided to get into boxing people thought I would have a couple of fights and then cry off with my tail between my legs," said Woodhouse, who quit professional football for the boxing ring in May 2006.
"Three years on, I'm still here and as hungry as ever.
"After 12 professional fights, I've won 11 and lost only one. That tells you something about my ability and my desire.
"People are talking about this fight against Jay Morris as a revenge mission because he's the only guy to have beaten me... and they're right. I do want revenge and, with a belt up for grabs, there is a lot at stake.
"It will be a tough fight but I'm confident I can beat him."
Determined
Woodhouse insists his ultimate goal of winning a major British title is still on course, adding: "That's my dream and I'm determined to achieve it."
Manager and trainer Dave Coldwell, who is promoting the fight, believes the Yorkshire fighter is a serious British title contender.
"By going back in against Morris it shows we are looking to push Curtis forward," said Coldwell.
"After taking Morris on, I'll be looking to move Curtis into English title contention.
"I really think he'll have proved he's ready for that level after this next fight.
"Once he fights for the English, and fingers crossed wins it, then he's in British title contention.
"That's where we want to be. Fighting for the British title is Curtis' dream, and to win it would be like a fairytale for someone who was looked upon as a joke when he first started out."
