Boxer Georgie Smith today turned up the heat on his dream UK title bid tomorrow by claiming: "I can't believe how good I feel - and I'm definitely going to win!"
The 28-year-old Basildon welterweight jetted up to Newcastle this morning, ready to face unbeaten champion Derek Roche in Carlisle.
Georgie, who returned in June with a two-round win after losing his Inter-continental title nine months ago, said: "This is my big chance.
"I'm finding it hard to keep myself still because I'm buzzing so much, so full of energy.
"I've never been more up for a fight - and I feel better, more confident more confident than I ever thought possible.
"I'm also in my best finest ever physically. The whole preparations are the best I've ever had."
Highly-rated Roche has knocked out Charlie Kane - the man who snatched Georgie's IBO crown on points in Southend back in October.
However, Georgie insists he was "not 100 per-cent" against Kane, adding that the Scot was the type of tall, defensive southpaw that he feels least comfortable against.
In contrast, he believes Roche - an orthodox fighter who likes to come forward - is tailor-made for him.
Georgie said: "I've been watching videos of Roche and I feel as if there's no way the title's not coming back to Basildon with me.
"I've been doing very well in sparring with an ex-British champion and light-middleweights, although since Tuesday I've stepped things down to just light work."
He added: "It's turned out that the eight-month break I had after losing to Kane was the best thing for me.
"I was half-contemplating not fighting again.
But it proves to me that I've come back for the right reasons.
"I've been training since I was a kid, and training really hard since turning pro - and that's not natural for your body.
"Now, since the lay-off, I'm fresher and even more hungry."
Smith - away next week on a family holiday -- is setting his sights on beating Roche then defending his new crown in around September.
He said: "If I get the title - at my first shot - I'd quite like to defend it three times so I can keep the Lonsdale belt and show it to my two sons when they get older.
"But obviously if a European crown came up, or even one of the World titles, I'd like to have a go at that."
Georgie's dad George said: "He's had his ups and downs, but winning the title would be a fairytale ending.
"I can see how confident and positive Georgie is."
Tomorrow night's bout is due to be shown live on Sky TV.
Bang on form - Georgie Smith aims to win the UK crown at his first attempt
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