Belfast-based Anto Upton – “I’m back where I belong”

Anto Upton [14(5)-1(0)] is back where he belongs and ready to kickstart his promising pro career.

The Belfast light welterweight has undergone a lot of changes since his knockout BBBoC English title last year, swapping trainer twice and fighting just once.

Upton moved from Ricky Hatton in Manchester to Barry Smith and Harry Andrews in London before basing himself out of his hometown of Belfast with Ray Ginley

It’s all now clicked for the 25 year old ahead of his fight on Saturday night on the Ginley Promotions ‘Danger at The Devenish’ card on the Finaghy Road.

Upton told Irish-Boxing.com that “I’ve taken to his [Ginley’s] training well loving how he trains and he puts all his time and effort into all his fighters and that’s exactly what is needed.”

“I’m back home where I belong, it’s more motivation waking up and going to the gym everyday knowing I get to go back home and spend valuable time with my family after a hard session.”

The youngest of the boxing brothers is closing in on his second successive Belfast fight date, and wants the trend to continue.

Upton noted that “I’ll fight anywhere in the world, it doesn’t phase me I’ve done it as an amateur and as a pro – but there is no better feeling then fighting at home so as many as I can get back here will be perfect.”

His fight this weekend will be a six-rounder with Nigerian Innocent Anyanwu

[25(15)-23(4)-3]. The former BeNeLux champion is that welcome sort of opponent that will beat a home fighter should they not turn in a performance, and Upton will have to be on his game. Just last year Anyanwu knocked out the 14-0 Florin Cardos and he has pushed Irish fighters Jake Hanney and Ray Moylette hard.

Upton is aiming to put on a show against his game opponent, probably his toughest test outside his two English title fights.

Upton described how “I just know that he is a tough, come forward competitor.2

“it will be a great fight, expect fast combinations and explosive power.”