AMBITIOUS Mikey Sakyi is a 33-year-old super-lightweight boxing sensation hailing from Chingford, East London, and has a convincing 10-4 win-loss record.

The Voice of Sport caught up with the British fighter who turned pro in 2016 and returns to the ring for his third fight this year hoping to do his son proud as he faces Denis Denikaev at the York Hall in Bethnal Green on Saturday, December 2.

AT: Mikey – we haven’t spoken in a while! Are you in good health?

MS: Yes, I am thanks! I’ve just finished a really solid training block and I am raring to go for next weekend. The main focus of my training camp was for me to be super focused, to display my skills and potential, and not leaving anything to chance. This isn’t about getting in there and showing I can box at their level. It’s about showing them I am levels above them. That’s been my obstacle so far and so by the grace of God we’ll get it done.

Tell us more about your opponent?

Denis is a young British fighter, the current champion with a 11-0-1 record and has done it the hard way. He therefore has to be respected as he’s hungry. It’s going to be a tough night’s work but I’m ready to go. I was Southern Area Super Lightweight champion, but this fight determines the English champion.

Is there any pressure in facing a younger fighter?

In boxing terms even though I’m 33 I know I’m still young and I haven’t had any serious injuries. I’ve always had my wits about me and I’m in the gym with young lads, and being surrounded by young people keeps you feeling young. I’m actually the one pushing them!

I have faced a variety of world-class fighters and beaten some undefeated boxers too. I have also lost to some very experienced guys but I take the losses as lessons. I really thank God for providing me those lessons to prepare you for when it’s really your time to step up and capture gold.  This fight is a step up in level and prestige – but I’m not worried at all.

How has your coach prepared you for this bout?

Just today I was speaking to my coach and he was explaining: “it’s your time now, you need to go in there and show everyone what you can do, because no one has seen what you can actually do yet.” I think in my boxing career, I have been the one holding myself back, so now I need to get in there and express myself. Sometimes I am too humble, but now I need to display my arrogance. Hopefully people will be shocked at what they see! That’s my strategy and what I’m going for.

Have you had any extra inspiration or motivation for this fight?

That is a crazy question and this might sound a bit religious. My mum and dad were brought up in the church, but as I got older, I did my own thing and didn’t pay attention to God. But in the last couple of months, I have found myself having conversations with that Higher Power. And amazingly, everything I have asked for seems to have come. So, how can I now refuse what is about to come to me?

Things have happened to me recently in a strange and supernatural way. For example, this time last year I got really ill when I was due to fight, literally two weeks before the bout. And the exact same thing happened to me this year. But I got in my bed, and I begged and I pleaded and I prayed. Two days later I felt perfect – not an inkling of an illness. I got up, had a great day at the gym, I was fresher and I was fitter than ever before. Some may call it a coincidence but for me I knew it wasn’t. This was a personal message to me.

The second example was sponsorship. I’ve never dealt with sponsors, probably because I haven’t put myself out there as much and also because I’ve thanked God for what he’s already given me. I just prayed that I would have some more support and suddenly in the last couple of weeks, not one but five sponsors came forward and have given me financial support which has been unbelievable. Big shout out to Platinum Crown Property Development, Fireaway Pizza Southend and Basildon, ZS Metals, and Unity Building Solutions.

How will you reward yourself after a fight like this?

My eight-year-old son was with me for my first fight this year in March and watched me lose on a points decision. He was really upset and cried a bit. So, now is my opportunity to show him a real-life situation that sometimes you can be down and out, but as long as you get back up and win, you can be champion. Of course, I will chill out and relax, but this is what I really want to prove – and for me that will be my celebration.