Uxbridge cruiserweight Ryan Crawford says he has turned his back on his party-boy lifestyle as he pursues his dream of boxing succes.

The 27-year-old will enter the biggest fight of his boxing life next month at London’s iconic Alexandra Palace when he challenges Dartford’s Matt Hilliker for the vacant Queensbury Boxing League title.

Crawford was last in action earlier in the month on the Challenger Boxing Series promotion, disposing of fellow contender Lucas Krakowiak by unanimous decision in a pulsating contest that saw Krakowiak hit the canvas midway through the contest.

And Crawford believes he will be in the best shape of his life when he steps through the ropes on July 12 after taking the sport far more seriously.

He said: “It’s fair to say I’ve had a bit of a reputation for partying over the last few years, but that’s all changed now and I’m 100% focussed on coming away with that title on July 12th.

“In my last fight I felt that I did ok but I got dragged into a brawl which wasn’t the best idea, but I came away with the win which is the most important thing and now I’m fighting Hilliker for the belt which is a massive deal.

“Training-wise I’ve really stepped things up now and I’m concentrating on my fitness to make sure I’ll have plenty in the tank during the fight, but I’m confident that come the 12th it will be me being crowned champion and I’m in this now to go all the way.”

Crawford’s title shot will take place at London’s iconic Alexandra Palace on the undercard of the packed Kings Of The Palace promotion which features 12 other contests. For more information log on to www.alexandrapalace.com