Mutley hungry ahead of title shot
Young Mutley has got eyes on big prizes as the former British champion re-enters the title race at Nottingham's Trent FM Arena.
The big-punching welterweight from West Bromwich takes on Midland champion Dave Ryan tonight with the title on the line, his first fight since outpointing Latvian Gatis Skuja at the Aston Arena in February.
Since then the 33-year-old has seen two planned title shots against British champion Kell Brook fall through, who will now defend against Michael Jennings - the man Mutley beat to take the belt in 2006 - at the Echo Arena in Liverpool on October 30.
Then Commonwealth champion John O'Donnell - who was supposed to have fought Mutley in an eliminator last year - will take on Ghanian Phillip Kotey at York Hall in Bethnal Green on December 19.
All leaves our man - real name Lee Woodley - with plenty to fight for as he plans a much bigger title shot in early 2010.
The veteran said: "Kell Brook has got his fight, John O'Donnell has got his fight, so I needed to get one in myself - and I need to take out a champion. I have got to get people talking about me again, and smashing through the Midland champion is a good way to do it.
"I would be too strong for O'Donnell. He's talented, he has got good hand speed, but he's hopeless at defending himself. It has happened before to him, and if he ever got in with me and did it it would happen to him again.
"And Dave won't be able to handle me, he's just a novice. I am in the next league up from him, definitely. He's a fighter from the Championship, and I am one of the top four in the Premier League."
Jennings goes to Liverpool as the massive underdog against 'Special K,' with the Chorley welter at 10/3 with Boylesports to end the 20-fight unbeaten record of the champion.
But Mutley believes his old foe has a good chance of an upset.
He said: "As long as Michael keeps strong and keeps throwing combinations, I think he has got a good chance of beating Kell. He may be the champion but he hasn't really been tested like this, and I know just how tough Jennings is.
"And if he gets past Kell and gets his hands on the British title, you can bet I will be up for a rematch with him!"
Tonight's show will be broadcast pay-per-view on 'Primetime,' at a cost of £14.95.
