Rio Olympian Galal Yafai will lead the British Lionhearts in the third of their three home World Series of Boxing matches on Thursday.
The Lionhearts take on the France Fighting Roosters at York Hall on Thursday, April 6, having won the last three WSB matches this season.
And having already beaten the Roosters in the reverse fixture in February, Yafai and the rest of the team, made up of Peter McGrail and Conor Loftus, as well as overseas talents Zoltan Harcsa and Josep-Bepo Filip, will be confident of another victory.
All three Brits are unbeaten in WSB this season, and starred in the recent 5-0 win over Morocco Atlas Lions, with Yafai looking forward to putting on another show in East London.
“We are in good form and looking to get another win against the France and hopefully finishing top of the table in our group,” said the 24-year-old light flyweight.
“I love boxing at York Hall. There is always a good home crowd and I will make sure I put on another great performance, as both my brothers [Gamal and Khalid] will be there along with friends and family.”
The two sides are currently tied on ten points atop Group B, meaning the winner of Thursday’s contest will be in the box seat to take top spot at the end of the pool phase.
And Loftus cannot wait to get back in the ring following his debut WSB win against Morocco.
“I had a great experience against Morocco last time and just want to get out there again and make sure I get that win,” he said.
“My WSB debut was a bit worrying for me as it was my first bout at light-welterweight, however, I will be a lot more confident going in to the ring this time, as I know I can make the weight and perform well at it.”
McGrail comes into his bout in fine form, having recently won a silver medal at the U22 European Championships, in Romania, and is anticipating another raucous atmosphere in York Hall.
“I am feeling confident and I am ready for whoever they put in front of me,” he said.
“I can’t wait to get back out there at York Hall in front of the home crowd. My mum, dad and brothers will all be there plus I know there will be loads of people watching at home on TV.
“I love boxing at York Hall. The atmosphere is boss and it gives you confidence going into the ring when you can hear everyone cheering for you. You know that everyone is behind you and you get cheered every time you land a shot.” Full squad: Galal Yafai Peter McGrail Conor Loftus Zoltan Harcsa Josep-Bepo Filip
Sportsbeat 2017