Watkins vs Okolie: Reece Bellotti says 'massive buzz' from York Hall will see him beat Ryan Doyle

By Tim Hobbs

Image: Reece Bellotti defends his Commonwealth title at York Hall

Reece Bellotti is looking to use the "massive buzz" York Hall gives him to steal the latest JD NXTGEN show.

The Commonwealth featherweight champion makes the second defence of his title against Ryan Doyle on Wednesday night, live on Sky Sports.

Bellotti (12-0-KO11) will be making the seventh appearance at the iconic Bethnal Green venue but even with Lawrence Okolie and Luke Watkins the headline acts, the Watford fighter is looking to produce another impressive win.

Check out the the KO class of the NXTGEN stars, Lawrence Okolie, Luke Watkins, Reece Bellotti, Ted Cheeseman, Daniyar Yeleussinov and Felix Cash.

"I think York Hall is the best venue to fight at and I've boxed there a few times, not just on NXTGEN, and you get such a good atmosphere, I just enjoy fighting there," he exclusively told Sky Sports.

"Boxing there seems to lift me up a level, so I am looking forward to this one.

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"It is so intent and well hot, with everybody rammed in there, I love it. I think it's great and even talking about Wednesday has got me buzzing already.

Image: Reece Bellotti and Ryan Doyle meet at York Hall, Bethnal Green

"It's always the plan to steal the show. You never know what's going to happen on the night but I'll certainly try and please the fans like I always do.

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I get a massive buzz when I get to York Hall. I won my first ABA title there and I am kind of unbeaten at York Hall. There's just something about it, that makes you switch on even more.
Reece Bellotti

Bellotti won his first ABA title at York Hall, made his professional debut there and in October, completed his hat-trick by taking the Commonwealth title away from Jason Cunningham, with a blistering sixth-round stoppage.

The 27-year-old, known as 'Bomber', has yet to be taken into the second half of a title fight but is expecting Doyle (16-2-1-KO8) to be anything but a pushover.

Reece Bellotti finished Jason Cunningham with a barrage of punches in the sixth round at the York Hall.

"I believe this is going to be hardest fight to date and I've trained accordingly," said Bellotti.

"He's going to cause some problems I know, and obviously he's quite big at the weight and is taller than me, but I have trained for different - and all - aspects of fighting him. I am half-expecting him to come out and give it a good go. That's what I think he might well do.

Image: Ryan Doyle (L) is Reece Bellotti's next York Hall opponent

"I get a massive buzz when I get to York Hall. I won my first ABA title there and I am kind of unbeaten at York Hall. There's just something about it, that makes you switch on even more.

"Sometimes it can go against you, though. For that Cunningham fight, the amount of nervous energy I had at the time can go against you. It was all a learning curve, so I know what to expect but I hope there is still the same atmosphere there on Wednesday night."

Bellotti's York Hall success

Date Against Won by
Oct 13, 2017 Jason Cunningham TKO6
Mar 17, 2017 Dai Davies KO3
Sep 29, 2016 Rafael Castillo TKO3
Oct 10, 2015 Faycal Messaoudene TKO3
Jul 4, 2015 Aron Szilagyi TKO2
May 28, 2015 Joe Beeden KO1

Watch Reece Bellotti vs Ryan Doyle on the undercard to Luke Watkins vs Lawrence Okolie, on JD NXTGEN, from York Hall, on Wednesday, live on Sky Sports Action.

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