MARK Krence believes winning Friday’s Prizefighter Cruiserweights II will catapult him to a third shot at a British title. Chesterfield-based Krence, 33, has fought twice for the British Heavyweight Championship and is desperate to compete for the Lonsdale belt at cruiserweight level. However, after six defeats in his last ten fights, the only way for that to happen is for him to become the Prizefighter Cruiserweights II champion..
The eight-man, one-night tournament takes place at the York Hall in Bethnal Green, east London on Friday and represents a last chance for Krence to fulfil his boxing ambitions.
“Winning Prizefighter will boost my career back up there and push me towards a British title shot, which is what I’m after,” said Krence.
“It’s my dream to become British champion. I want to win the British title for my three lads so I want them to be able to say ‘my dad’s a British champion’.
“Losing twice for the British heavyweight title was worse than anything as I had my heart set on winning it.
“I’ve had two shots and it wasn’t meant to be but hopefully it will be third time lucky and I’ll win the British cruiserweight title.
“I took the Matt Skelton fight at 24 hours notice so I wasn’t prepared and against Scott Gammer I was winning then just got caught in the ninth round.”
Krence had been scheduled to take part in the first Prizefighter Cruiserweights event but had to withdraw as he could not make the weight in time.
However, he is delighted to be given a second chance and intends to take it and secure the £32,000 top prize.
“I’m excited to be picked and to have the opportunity,” added Krence. “I didn’t know there was another cruiserweight tournament until I got the phone call but I’m glad to be in it and I’m going to grab the opportunity with both hands.
“People are saying I’m getting on and that I’m too old but there are still things to come from me that people haven’t seen before.
“I’ve been criticised all the way through my boxing career for 15 years so it all just goes over my head
“I don’t care what the critics say; if they were so good then they would be in the ring doing it.
“My trainer is saying I’m looking better than I have been in the last five years.”
The full list of contenders is: John Anthony (Doncaster), Wayne Brooks (Cardiff), Darren Corbett (Belfast), Jon-Lewis Dickinson (County Durham), Herbie Hide (Norwich), Zahid Kahut (Batley), Mark Krence (Chesterfield) and Leon Williams (Streatham, London).
Tickets cost £35 and £60 and are available from 01277 359900. The show will also be broadcast live on Sky Sports 2 from 9pm on Friday.