LIAM Conroy is eyeing a fast start when he goes head-to-head with Joshua Buatsi for the British light-heavyweight title tomorrow night.

Unbeaten Olympic bronze medalist Buatsi (9-0) has won all three of his last contests via first-round stoppages, the most recent of those being Renold Quinlan in December.

But Conroy (16-3-1) is on a run of five straight wins inside the distance too – three coming within three rounds – and is ready to go straight from the opening bell at the Copperbox Arena.

"I'm going to have to have a fast start to be competitive and win the fight with Josh," said Conroy.

"I think that my experience will show in those early rounds also.

"He's a fast starter and he gets people out of there early, so it should be explosive to start with."


Seven years of hard work on the professional circuit have earned Barrow boxer Conroy the opportunity to live his dream of fighting for the British title.

Conversly, Buatsi only made his pro debut in July 2017, but is just as determined to claim the vacant Londsdale belt.

"I've said many times this is something I must-win on this journey," said Buatsi. "Conroy has said this is his dream, so this is a man fighting for his dreams.

"But Saturday night, I'll be there and I'll be prepared."

Conroy is set to be backed by over 100 travelling fans in London as he aims to become the first Barrow boxer to win the prestigious belt.

"To be putting Barrow on the map in that kind of way, I'm dead proud," said Conroy.

"Everyone from Barrow is dead proud to be from up there and they're getting as excited as I am, so it will be a good night.

"It's been the camp of a lifetime and I'm just looking to put in a performance of a lifetime in on Saturday as well."