Tyler: I deserve title and big TV contests

Tyler Christopher…moved to 8-0 on Saturday night

TYLER Christopher, the Bermudian who came to Birmingham in search of ring glory, has made it known he’s not prepared to hang around for a title opportunity.

The 27-year-old light-middle, who peeled off his eighth straight win at Edgbaston’s H Suite on Saturday, believes he’s done enough to merit a Midlands championship test.

If it comes, it comes. But it’s TV exposure Christopher wants.

On Tommy Owen’s show at the weekend, Christopher (11st 1lbs) picked his shots well against Connor Meanwell to take a 39-37 decision over four rounds. Connor (11st 5lbs) pressed throughout and had his best moments in the third – probably the session he took on referee Ryan Churchill’s card.

Meanwell is known to Birmingham fans for his participation in February’s Top Boxer welterweight tournament. The Newark boxer was outpointed in the quarter-finals by Brett Egan – his only loss in three going into Saturday’s contest.

“I got the job done,” Christopher told me today. “On the night, I wasn’t happy, but looking back at it, I did perform well.

“I didn’t do the game plan me and my trainer wanted, but I still had the skill set to do the job and make it look easy.

“My best weapon was my boxing IQ. Meanwell will upset prospects if they don’t have that boxing IQ. I nullified the rough stuff by tying him up. Connor Meanwell will upset a few prospects if they don’t have that boxing know how.

“I think I didn’t get the stoppage because I was looking for the stoppage. When it didn’t come, I was a bit frustrated.”

Christopher admits he needs to build his fanbase over here.

“It was going to be a six rounder, but I didn’t sell enough tickets,” he admitted. “The fanbase is growing – some fights I do good with tickets, some poor.”

He is a boxer craving high-profile bouts.

“I’m not even looking for titles,” he said. “I’m trying to get on TV, but it has to be the right person. Some of those guys are there for the taking. The titles are cool, I feel I’ve done more than enough to earn a title shot. I’ve done everything asked of me.

“If my name isn’t in the hat by now, it’s not going to be. I think I do better against better opposition. In sparring, I rise to the occasion.”

*Christopher thanked sponsors Mellows catering and Bermuda clothing company Ever Blessed.