Scotstoun boxer Amhed Mveva has set his sights on a big 2020 after rounding off 2019 with a straightforward points win over late stand-in Josue Bendana last week.
Set to defend his BBBofC Scottish super-lightweight title in a rematch with Martin Taylor, Mveva had to make do with a six-round keep busy fight at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Glasgow after the Livingston man pulled out with injury.
Mveva, who eased to a 97-94 win over Taylor to clinch the Scottish title back in June, was never in any danger against Nicaraguan Bendana on Friday, with the 27-year-old winning all six rounds to take his pro record to 12 wins, two losses and a draw.
A new date for February had been set for the Taylor bout, but Mveva has revealed he is set to bypass that in search of bigger challenges.
“That was a good win for me on Friday,” Mveva told Post Sport. “I’m happy with the result and happy with my performance over the six rounds.
“I was supposed to be fighting Martin Taylor in a rematch but he pulled out due to injury I think. He pulled out quite late on Thursday, a day before the fight which wasn’t great of him.
“I’m the champion and the date was set for last weekend so I’m not going to pause my career and wait for him to be ready.
READ MORE: Scotstoun boxer Ahmed Ibrahim dominates to win Scottish title
“The February date is agreed, but, after thinking about it, I’m not happy with that and will be speaking to my manager to sort it and hopefully get me out of it.
“The thing is, I won the first fight against Martin clearly and comfortably so there’s nothing to gain for me in a rematch.
“I’ll be looking elsewhere now. I don’t want to hold myself back waiting for that one.”
Away from the politics of rematches and title defences, Mveva insists he’s ready to make a big step up in terms of quality of opposition next year.
He added: “It’s now time for me to make the step up. I’m ready to move on from this level, take on more challenges and fight for more belts.
“I was lined up to fight for the Celtic title earlier this year and that fell through, so I would like to start 2020 with a shot at that.
“I was set to fight Gavin Gwynne down in Wales for the Celtic belt but he pulled out through injury. I would love another shot at that one.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here