Recovery key to Joel McIntyre's Ultimate Boxxer bid
Joel McIntyre has revealed his tactics as he bids for Ultimate Boxxer II glory.
The Leigh Park light-heavyweight competes in the prestigious event at The Indigo at the O2 on November 2.
There, McIntyre will come up against the likes of John McCallum (11-1), a seven-time national amateur champion, the highly-touted unbeaten Shakan Pitters (7-0),  Dec Spelman, who returns to the biggest stage yet since his tragic fight with the late Scott Westgarth, andÂ
Southern Area title contender Jordan Joseph (7-2-1).
But the 30-year-old believes success will ultimately come down to his recovery levels on the night.
McIntyre said: '˜I have been doing sparring sessions that are high-paced three by three's in preparation already, but ultimately it comes down to recovery.
'˜Fitness is all about recovery and I consider it a big part of my game plan, without giving too much away.
'˜Recovery will be essential in the tournament, not just in between rounds but in between bouts as well.
'˜I work on my recovery after sessions '“Â it's all about slowing the heart-rate, reducing lactic acid and muscle fatigue.
'˜It's a high impact, high intensity sport and recovery is vital.'
The former English light-heavyweight champion, nicknamed '˜El Toro', enters the competition as the most experienced and decorated of all eight contestants, with over 100 professional rounds under his belt.
'˜I'll be going in as the 20-fight veteran, so I'm more experienced than the other contestants, although I only had 12 amateur bouts,' added McIntyre.
'˜My weight and my diet are one of the many things that will be faultless.
'˜I've been in the game a long time now, I'm 30, so no spring chicken, but I feel I'm in my prime and I basically can't afford to lose.
'˜That will reflect in my training, as I'm 100-per-cent dedicated.'
The 175-pounder also aims to approach the competition having researched all the competitors taking part to be fully prepared for the varied styles they can bring.
McIntyre said: '˜My trainer, Daron Wiseman, can analyse boxing better than anyone I know so we are looking at all the other opponents and their different styles.
'˜There's a kid that's 6ft 6in and one who's 5ft 9in so they will all pose different problems, but we will come up with the different solutions.'