MARK Alexander is 100 per cent confident ahead of his BlackBeard Fight Series heavyweight title showdown with Danny Walker on Saturday, writes Ryan Gibbs.

Strikers Night, a mix of white collar boxing and kickboxing, takes place at the Magnet Leisure Centre in Maidenhead, where Alexander features among a host of stars from all over the UK.

Alexander has had a change in opponent at the last minute with Walker replacing Ryan Gallagher, but he is still quietly confident and has made no changes to his training.

“Nothing has changed, the training has been continuous,” the 48-year-old told the Observer. “I’m grateful that Danny has stepped in. I’ve trained really hard and I’m pleased to still be fighting.

“I’m in the best shape of my life, and have a slight height and weight advantage. My style is more counter-punching.”

The Slough-based Blackbeard MMA fighters have been put through their paces during the eight-week training camp.

“It’s been pretty intense under Blackbeard,” Alexander said. “We have to do our own running as well as the weight training and sparring sessions five times a week.”

Slough Observer:

PHOTO: Asad Munir, left, and Mark Alexander, right, in training for Strikers Night this Saturday.

A win for the Slough star would be a very special one. He added: “I haven’t fought in five years. I was retired and to now be topping the bill in front of family and friends means a lot to me.”

Alexander, who will have a following of about 250 on Saturday, is feeling confident that he will win the fight and is looking for a stoppage.

He said: “I’ve sold 100 tickets myself.

“I’ve seen a bit of footage of Walker and I’m quietly confident. This is the fittest I’ve ever been.”

Also on the card, Blackbeard MMA member Asad Munir will make his fight series debut when challenging Fynn Judd for the super welterweight title.

Munir said: “I don’t think I’m nervous about this fight because if you see my training partners, they’re bigger than my opponent.”

For tickets and further information call 07913 328035.