Eastbourne builder sets sights on becoming a bareknuckle boxing champion after promising debut

The Eastbourne heavyweight made a huge impression on his debut in the sport, outpointing Eric Olsen last month.

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Olsen is a veteran of combat sport and Milner handed the American a count in the dying seconds on the way to a unanimous points win.

Bareknuckle bosses were so impressed they offered Milner a three-year contract and he signed it this week.

Milner, sponsored by Perfect Bodyzone, Performance Fitness Gym and Modify Media, said: “This is a great sport and promotion to be a part of.

“It looks like there are going to be four or five shows next year and if I can stay injury free, I will fight on all of them.

“If I can do that for the next three years, I should pick up a few belts.”

The first belt Milner wants is the British heavyweight championship strap owned by Daniel Podmore.

He won the vacant title by stopping Rob Cunningham on the BKB Lockdown show last month that featured the Milner-Olsen fight.

“I think I might have to wait to fight Daniel,” said Milner, who's looking for more sponsors.

“He wants to welcome (UFC veteran and pro gloved boxer) Fabio Maldonado into bareknuckle boxing.

“There’s talk of them fighting for the world heavyweight title.

“I need to keep beating good guys and then I will be knocking on the door to fight more big names.

“Daniel is a very good fighter, but I really believe I can beat him.”

Report contributed by Matthew Bozeat