In Focus: Alan Higgins

In the third instalment of 'In Focus' we speak to popular Super Middleweight Alan Higgins about his upcoming SkySports debut.

North London's 'Avalanche' Higgins is the current Southern Area Super Middleweight champion and will take on fellow unbeaten prospect South London's Craig 'Spider' Richards in the first edition of Matchroom Boxing's new NxtGen series on the 17th March.

As a North Londoner myself it has been difficult to avoid the buzz that has come with Higgins' (12-0) switch to the Pro Ranks. With an already large and vocal fan base (including some relatives of mine) continuously growing, it's easy to see why so many flock to watch Higgins fight.

'I've always been lucky enough to have a good support. And my style is definitely fan friendly, I like to get inside and let the big shots go and try get the stoppage.'

The support that Higgins has received over the years has never wavered, even when faced with a long injury lay off a couple of years ago.

'People who follow me know what I'm capable of, as do the people in boxing, I've been unlucky with injuries but thankfully I'm past that and have had a good year so I just need to keep it going now.'

Higgins possesses great confidence in his abilities and who wouldn't with such a following behind him. But what does he make of his next opponent Richards (7-0) and the opportunity to box on the first NxtGen card.

'It's a bigger stage for sure, but the level of opponent is no higher than my last, Cello Renda (who has fought the likes of Martin Murray and Paul Smith) was my step up in level and I wasn't going to go back fighting journeyman so when this opportunity came up of course I was going to take it.'

'He (Richards) is a huge threat. Tall, awkward, unbeaten, he is not a fighter who wants to lose as I don't, it'll be a great fight I'm sure, we've both trained hard and both like to fight. '

The NxtGen series has been deigned by Eddie Hearn and Matchroom to test their young fighters on a bigger stage than being on the bottom of a card in an empty arena. With the first instalment taking place in London's famous York Hall, the young fighters will be exposed for all to see.

For Higgins though, York Hall is familiar territory and he can't wait to get back under the lights at the 'spiritual home of boxing'.

'It is definitely the best place to fight if it's the atmosphere that you enjoy, I certainly thrive on it and I can't wait to fight there again.'

Whilst Higgins is used to the atmosphere in Bethnal Green, one aspect of the NxtGen series that he isn't so used to is the fact it will be broadcast live on SkySports 1 and Facebook. Has that made a difference in his preparation or mindset leading up to the fight?

'No not at all, it's just another fight at York Hall, I can't see or hear the people on TV so it won't be any different to any other fight I've had at York Hall.'

With one of the fighters unbeaten records hanging in the balance, should Higgins' zero stay in place, what next for him?

'As being successful I have to step up after this fight, I'd want a English title fight for sure, if anything else came up I'd grab it with both hands. I want the big fights.'

You can catch Higgins v Richards as well as a number of other fights on March 17th on SkySports 1 and Facebook.

Follow Alan Higgins @AvalancheAl