Manchester's Michael Gomez believes he can prove everyone in boxing wrong again when he takes on Amir Khan on Saturday.
'Warrior' motivated to shock the world
Manchester's Michael Gomez believes he can prove everyone in boxing wrong again when he takes on Amir Khan on Saturday.
The Predator's career has been on a downward spiral for more than three years but has resisted calls for his retirement to take on the undefeated Khan for the Commonwealth lightweight title.
And Gomez, who scored a shock victory over the previously unbeaten Alex Arthur in 2003, believes such a big fight is what he needs to focus his mind on the job.
"I used to go into fights not really bothered and thinking about partying afterwards," he said. "If this fight was a routine fight I would probably lose. But a big fight like this is what I need and I will shock everybody.
"I went in there against Alex Arthur who was an unbeaten prospect and I destroyed him. It is all down to frame of mind. There is nothing more you can ask for than the chance to prove the whole world wrong."
Gomez (35-8), who turns 31 on Friday, looked to be on his way out of boxing when he was stopped inside six rounds by British super featherweight champion Carl Johanneson in November, but a points win over journeyman and early Khan victim Baz Carey in March has given him renewed hope.
"People have been saying I'm finished for the last 10 years and every fight's my last chance," he added. "But this fight really is my last chance to set myself up for life and become known in every household in Britain.
"I've been stabbed and died and I've been on a murder charge but boxing's kept me on the straight and narrow and I've got a beautiful wife and three kids. The prospect of making more money for them is all the motivation I need."
