Ben Andrews ready for hometown test after sparring Anthony Yarde in camp

World class sparring prepares Ben Andrews for homecoming fight

Ben Andrews (6-0, 2 KOs) has big aspirations and feels ready to take on a regional title fight; however, Saturday night in his hometown of Torquay, September 27, the unbeaten 26-year-old first has to get past tough Argentinian Marcos Karalitzky at the Riviera International Centre, headlining BCB Promotions' 'Clash on the Coast 3'.

The contest scheduled for eight rounds is the second in a row that the light heavyweight has had at the venue, and that hometown advantage is something he really values.

"I'm always excited when it's a home show," said Andrews. "To get to box in Torquay in front of my mates and fans, it doesn't get any better for me than that. If his record is anything to go by, I'm expecting him to be tough and similar to when I boxed Blackledge in that he will try to hold and make it difficult for me. He is an experienced pro, and there are things he will try to do that I have to work out, and this could be my first proper eight-rounder, as the last fight ended so quickly.

That fight against the experienced Edgars Sneidze back in May at the same venue ended in explosive fashion with Andrews detonating a perfect right hand that sent the Latvian crashing to the canvas midway through the second round, where he was duly counted out by referee Sean McAvoy.

"I always say to myself that you have to pace yourself, especially in the early rounds, but if the opportunity is there, I will take it, and I landed a lovely overhand right that was right on the knuckle. I was glad he didn't get back up."

The four-fight card features two of Andrews' gym mates in Charlie Ryder and Zakk Turnstill as well as long-time sparring partner and recent BCB signee Pawel Augustynik.

The two prospects have shared plenty of rounds in the build-up to their bouts, and this camp has once again seen Andrews travel to London to spar world title challenger Anthony Yarde as he prepares for a WBC light heavyweight title shot against David Benavidez.

"You can't get any better than sparring with a world-class fighter like Yarde, and I'm grateful to him and his coach for having me down there again. I have known Pawel for years, and I sparred him back as an amateur, where I had to take breaks after three rounds." He laughed. "Now we have some really good rounds; he's a pressure fighter, gets up close, and it's great to have him on the show."

An elite amateur, Andrews knows the importance of doing things the right way and is careful not to look past his opponent on Saturday night, but with the prospect of title fights round the corner, he hopes he will be able to reward his loyal support by bringing that night to Torquay.

"I've made it clear I want a title fight soon, and I know Errol Johnson is working hard to get me that, and an ideal scenario would be to bring that back down to Torquay, whether it be for an area belt or English. Getting back on TV again with Wasserman is also something I want to do; there are a lot of good opportunities that can come my way starting with a win on Saturday."

Final remaining tickets are available now at the door, priced at £45 for general admission.