River: I have got too much of everything for Dr Steel Shakiel

River Wilson-Bent…Sheffield date. Pic: GBM Sports/Leigh Dawney

RIVER Wilson-Bent has the fight he’s spent months banging the drum for.

On September 27, the exciting Coventry middleweight will face unbeaten puncher Shakiel Thompson for the latter’s IBF European and WBO Global titles.

But River will have to go into the 27-year-old’s home city for his opportunity: the bout takes place at Park Community Arena, Sheffield.

It is an intriguing clash between an experienced boxer who has competed at the highest level and a prospect considered one of the next big things.

Now aged 30, River has faced top men such as world rated Hamzah Sheeraz, Austin “Ammo” Williams, Tyler Denny and Ryan Kelly.

The two performances against Denny, now European champ, look better with age. With the English title on the line, he and the Rowley Regis star shared a technical draw and Tyler won the rematch by split decision.

River’s fight with Kelly, for the Commonwealth silver belt, was named last year’s Midlands fight of the year. Kelly took the points decision.

Southpaw Thompson, dubbed Dr Steel, has yet to face men of that calibre in the pro ranks. He has, however, amassed a very healthy stoppage per centage with eight of his 12 opponents failing to hear the final bell.

River, who has lost four of 23 (two draws) is bristling with confidence. He believes he has too much ability and experience.

“He is a very beatable opponent,” said the former Midlands champ. “I’ve never seen him being tested, he has never beaten anyone in a 50-50 fight.

“I’m going to be a nightmare for him, I’ve had my eyes on him for a long time. I’m going to take his title.”

The Sky Blue favourite revealed Thompson’s team had previously asked for the bout at two weeks notice. The offer was understandably declined: you need a full camp for Shakiel.

River is the first to admit he has not been at his best in recent performances. Raw novice SA Smith held him to a bruising draw in March and, most recently, Matt McCallum was beaten by a single point.

Some said the showings suggested tough battles were catching up with the crowd-pleaser.

“I’ve not been happy with my last few fights. I hope he (Thompson) has seen those fights,” River said. “If he judges me by those fights, he’s made a mistake.

“Everyone he has stopped, I would stop. When people give me time to box, I box their ears off. He’ll give me time. I’m faster than him, have faster hands and feet than him.

“I’ve fought better people. I’ve been through the tests, I’ve been taken to dark places in the ring. If you haven’t had those tests, you will be found out.”

River stressed he still burns with ambition to claim a British title.

He added: “Look at the champion Brad Paul, that was a fight I was calling for. Look at the former champ Nathan Heaney – we were matched to fight for the English title and he withdraw.”

“It’s about levels,” River added.

And he believes he’s a level above Shakiel Thompson.

Manager Jon Pegg said: “River is rolling the dice for a title. Shakiel Thompson is decent, but he’s not unbeatable.

“We are in there to get River a title in a tough fight that’s winnable. That’s what you are in the game for.”