Sunderland boxer Warren Baister wants to make it four in a row

The Sunderland cruiserweight will fight on the undercard of Anthony Crolla’s WBA World lightweight title defence with Ismael Barroso in Manchester on Saturday, May 7.

Unbeaten in three fights, Baister is excited at the prospect of making it four.

“It’s unbelievable to have been picked to box on the undercard of a big world title fight,” said Baister.

“Anthony Crolla is a great fighter and champion who sells out the MEN Arena almost on his own.

“It’s going to be experience to be fighting in front of a packed venue and good exposure for me too.”

Baister has enjoyed a perfect start in the professionals following a glittering, if injury interrupted career.

The exciting 30-year-old has won three out of three, his most recent coming in March at Houghton, where he thumped Latvia’s Eriks Kalasnikovs in rapid and ruthless fasion.

Referee Ron Kearney intervened at just one minute, 54 seconds at the Rainton Meadows Arena.

No opponent has yet to be named but coach David Binns is hoping for longer and more testing fights, recently telling the Echo “given his pedigree in boxing that he should be on a faster track than others new to the pro game”.

Baister agrees, admitting he has found the transformation from top amateur opposition to pro fights tricky to come to terms with.

“I hope it is a step up in terms of quality of opponent,” he said. “Someone who can stay with the pace.

“It’s been a massive contrast going from the amateurs to the pros.

“When I was boxing in the amateur side I was coming up against the very elite in the sport.

“But the men I’m fighting now are not the level I’ve bneen used to.

“I know it seems to be the way that all new pros and prospects have to do it, but I’m hoping the harder and better fights are coming.

“I’m grateful to Eddie Hearn and Matchroom for the opportunity here and I’m hoping to get a test.”

Baister is hoping to attract a good Wearside following to Manchester to cheer him on.

“The support has been great so far and hopefully it will be the same for this show,” he added.

For tickets, contact 07506380308 (there are no booking or delivery fees).

For more on the boxer, visit warrenbaister.com