STANLEE Wilson explains it will be a five round war when he challenges Mark Alexander for the BlackBeard Heavyweight Boxing Championship this Saturday.

The title fight will main event the sixth BlackBeard show at the Magnet Centre in Maidenhead, and the two combatants will have to put aside their friendship.

Wilson, 32, told the Observer: “We’re good friends but will have to get over the thought of wanting to punch someone in the face that you actually like.

“But, we’re both professionals and for the five rounds that we will fight, we will put our friendship to one side and go toe-to-toe.

“It will be nice for both sets of supporters and a bit of a local derby rather than fighting someone from miles away.”

Wilson failed in his attempt to win the BlackBeard K1 title last year and he insists the result this weekend is not what is most important.

He said: “I am planning on winning but it’s immaterial and I’m not bothered if I don’t because I would have lost to a friend.

“It will be a five round war and definitely the best fight on the night. I can’t see it going any other way than the distance and I back myself to win on points.

“I will take the fight as it comes because when you go out of your usual gameplan things start to go wrong.

“Mark edges me in terms of power but I’ve youth on my side and will probably be a little fitter because of the age gap.

“My experience is also far greater because I’ve had more fights and at a higher level.”

Wilson added: “Training has been good and I’m coming into this fight off the back of boxing at the O2 a couple of weeks ago.

“I’m reasonably fit anyway with it being so close and I’ve not really had any time out of the gym.

“If I win I will take his belt and defend it on the next BlackBeard show early next year.”

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