Shakan zeros in on two very big names

Shakan Pitters…big fights are looming on the horizon

FORMER British light-heavyweight champ Shakan Pitters has been offered as an opponent in two major fights, I can reveal.

Trainer Paul Counihan has declined to give details, but confirmed Birmingham’s Shakan has been put forward for “massive contests”.

I’ll give Counihan his due. He knows how to handle the press. He knows how to courteously side-step reporters’ questions.

I have it on good authority Shakan is being considered by two world class, domestic names.

And, with the Eastside gym remaining silent, I’ll take an educated guess who those fighters are.

*Anthony Yarde. It makes sense, if a dangerous assignment. Yarde was set to face Tipton’s English titleholder Ricky Summers in September until injury forced Ricky out. Instead, two time world title challenger Yarde, who fought so valiantly against thunderous punching champ Artur Beterbiev, blew away a no-hoper in two.

This one could happen. Shakan is a respected domestic name – a victory that would mean something - and Yarde would be confident of underlining his credentials with conclusive victory.

*Lyndon Arthur. I put his name forward because Counihan told me, in a previous interview, Shakan would love to face the Manchester boxer.

I may have it wrong. Readers’ thoughts would be welcomed.

Arthur won the Commonwealth title with split decision victory over Yarde, was KOd in a return, but has bounced back to earn the lesser IBO version of the world crown. He has lost only one of 24.

Counihan makes no bones about the fact he wants to net Shakan big money fights. Pitters kept active last month with a routine six rounds points victory over Darryl Sharp.

He showed his top class ability last year by taking Dan Azeez to a points decision for the British title. Azeez went on to destroy Rocky Fielding and then take the European belt.

“His state of mind was not right for that fight because he had two tragedies in his life,” said Counihan. “His sister and his cousin both passed.

“But he gave a brilliant performance. It was not what we, as a gym, wanted because we know what Shak can deliver.

“If you watch the fight back and look at scoring shots, he won the fight. Dan Azeez is very good at throwing a lot of punches, not always scoring shots. He’s very good at making judges believe he’s the busier and winning the fight.

“Shak did good as an amateur, but not great. He couldn’t win the novice championships. For him to do what he has in the pro game, which is 10 times harder, is a credit to him.

“He’s 34, he’s probably only got a couple of years left. What me and the gym want is for Shak to fight a major star or fight for a major title, get some big paydays.”