A Leyton boxer set to fight for the vacant Southern Area welterweight title is taking inspiration from London’s boxing heroes.

Ahmet Patterson, 25, will box the biggest fight of his career at the Camden Centre on Saturday, June 1 and will take plenty of good advice into the ring with him.

Patterson last week attended the monthly meeting of the London Ex-Boxer’s Association where he spoke with former champions including Sylvester Mittee and Sammy McCarthy.

“It’s great to see them all,” said Patterson. “They’ve been there, done it and know what I’m going through.

“I got a lot of good advice from them and they all look so good. Even the guys in their seventies are as fit as a fiddle. I hope I look as good when I’m their age.”

Patterson is in form, putting together eight straight wins that have secured him a shot at championship honours.

Bradley Skeete recently vacated the Southern Area title and promoter Mickey Helliet is currently searching for an opponent.

“I’m just going to turn up and fight whoever they put in front of me,” said Patterson.

“I’m not disappointed Bradley gave up the title.

“It would have been a good fight for the fans, but these things happen and maybe we can box further down the line when it’s an even bigger fight.

“I’m not bothered about the opponents. I’m in the game to collect titles and I don’t care who I have to beat to get them.”

Patterson claimed a career-best win in March when he dominated former British-title challenger Max Maxwell in front of the television cameras.

He said: “I enjoyed it. They are the fights I want. I want to be fighting on front of big crowds and the television cameras.

“I’m ready to step up. I’m ready to be let off the leash.”

Patterson says he’s ready for the ten-round distance and has been kept sharp by sparring with Larry Ekundayo.

Ekundayo came to prominence last year by winning ‘Prizefighter’ and Patterson said: “It’s great sparring. People would pay money to watch it. It’s good technical sparring. You can hear us thinking in there.”

Tickets for the show are available by calling 07958 481 112.