Maidstone boxer Sam Noakes set for big backing when he fights on Christmas show at the Copper Box Arena
Published: 07:11, 18 December 2019
Updated: 08:30, 18 December 2019
Sam Noakes' army of fans will provide plenty of festive cheer when he returns to the ring just four days before Christmas.
Noakes has sold out his allocation of almost 300 tickets for Saturday night's fight against Daryl Pearce at the Copper Box Arena in London.
The Maidstone boxer, gearing up for his second pro bout under promoter Frank Warren, said: "I thought it might be harder to sell tickets so close to Christmas but everyone's come through.
"I've sold more than I did for my first fight. The noise they'll make will be unreal."
It's three months since Noakes marked his pro debut with a stoppage win over Chris Adaway at the Royal Albert Hall.
He's had plenty of time to prepare for his next contest and feels more relaxed going into the bout against Pearce (1-6).
Noakes, 22, said: "I'm looking forward to this one more than my debut because I've found my feet a little bit more now and I feel more settled.
"The first fight was done on instinct, it was like a blur.
"It's been a long camp but a really good camp, I've had loads of good sparring and I'm feeling good.
"I've known the date for a while but it's taken a while to come round.
"Daryl Pearce has never been stopped, so he'll be quite tough, but someone's got to be the first to do it.
"I'd love to get the stoppage but winning is the main thing, I don't mind how I do it."
Noakes is once again boxing on the undercard of British and Commonwealth champion Daniel Dubois.
That suits the former Westree amateur, with Dubois' career going places.
"If I stay on his undercard I'm going to be boxing in some very good places," said Noakes.
"The Royal Albert Hall was an unreal place to make my debut. It will be difficult to top that."
Noakes would like to thank sponsors H&C Motors, Fastlay Services, Inkfish Tattoo Studio, Roocou, Swift Roofing and Champs Boxing for their support.
He said: "Without them I wouldn't be able to do this full-time. They're a big help and I'm lucky to have them."
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Craig Tucker