Northampton fighter Carl Fail in 'best shape' of his career as he prepares for Doncaster showdown

The Northampton boxer will fight on the undercard of the big IBF Inter-Continental heavyweight clash between Dave Allen and Filip Hrgovic.

Fail had been scheduled to take on Dean Sutherland at the Eco-Power Stadium, the home of Doncaster Rovers FC, but the Scotsman was forced to withdraw due to injury a fortnight ago.

It means Fail's opponent on the night has yet to be confirmed, but whoever he takes on, the 29-year-old can't wait to get cracking.

He has been gearing up for this weekend for eight weeks now, and has been training with twin brother Ben, and says believes he in better shape than he has ever been.

"Ben fought not too long ago, so I was in camp with him, and by the time we got the notice about this fight I was already flying, I was in there firing," said Fail, who claimed the Midlands Area super welterweight title when beating Amir Abubaker last time out in July.

"Brad Pauls needed us for sparring, so I was doing six to eight rounds with him even before I knew about the fight.

"I am in great shape, the best shape of my career, and I am looking forward to getting out there and putting on a statement performance."

Whoever he fights, Fail will be defending a 100 per cent record as a professional, although it has been a frustrating time recently for the former Far Cotton puncher.

Prior to last July's win over Abubaker, Fail had been out of the ring through injury, and it means he has fought just once since November 2023.

That being the case, the latest 10 months stint without a fight has been a frustrating one, and Fail admitted it is something the he and brother Ben have discussed with Queensberry promoter Frank Warren.

"The last time I boxed was in July and it is not ideal," said Fail, who is nicknamed The Chosen One.

"We had a meeting with Frank earlier this year and a few things ot ironed out, so we are looking to have a very busy year this year.

"We already have four or five fights booked in and we just have to do our job now and go and win.

"Me and Ben are both looking at some really big fights."

And he added: "There is not really a reason (for the lack of recent fights), but I was ready, I was in the gym and training.

"I think when Frank went with DAZN and the Saudis it was good for the heavyweights, but it went a bit quiet for everyone else.

"But looking forward, we have fights booked in and planned, and I just have to do my job on Saturday and look good and win.

"Then we can look forward to some massive fights, and ensure a massive 2026 is our year."

The action from south Yorkshire is being shown live of DAZN on Saturday night.