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Maidstone boxer Sam Noakes speaks about his third-round stoppage win over Daryl Pearce at the Copper Box Arena

11:01, 23 December 2019

updated: 11:01, 23 December 2019

Sam Noakes is starting to feel at home in professional boxing after securing a second straight stoppage.

The Maidstone lightweight got his tactics spot on to stop Daryl Pearce in round three at the Copper Box Arena in London on Saturday night.

Maidstone boxer Sam Noakes Picture: Steve Terrell
Maidstone boxer Sam Noakes Picture: Steve Terrell

It was a highly impressive performance from the 22-year-old as he followed up his debut win over Chris Adaway.

Noakes said: "I enjoyed this one a lot more - this one was cushty!

"I stuck to the gameplan because all the boys were saying don't go out and hit him too hard straight away because some people don't want to know after that.

"So I took it easy in the first two rounds and then came back to the corner and Al Smith, my trainer, said 'get him out of there now' which I did.

"He was taking a beating but he's a tough kid. Even when the referee called it off, he wasn't happy.

"I take my hat off to him but his face was in a bad way afterwards.

"I looked better in this fight, I felt more like a pro in there.

"That first fight, it was a bit overwhelming but I enjoyed every minute of this one."

Noakes took 300 fans to the capital and gave them plenty to shout about.

He added: "Coming out to all those people was mental, it's hard to explain, but it makes you feel really good. They are a loud bunch."

Manager Francis Warren - son of promoter Frank - also told Noakes he'd looked more like a pro and it could be a big 2020 for the Maidstone boxer.

"I hope people are taking notice," said Noakes.

"I'm on the right track, I just need to keep doing what I'm doing.

"The harder the opponent the better really because there are some bad journeymen out there.

"I like the tough ones, that's when you learn. You box to the level in front of you a little bit."

Noakes will keep running over Christmas - reluctant to get out of shape.

He said: "I want to keep ticking over. After my last fight I didn't stop eating but I'm not doing that again.

"The weight comes off as easy as it goes on but I can't be bothered with that.

"It's hard at this time of year, because I do love a bit of chocolate."

Noakes would like to thank sponsors H&C Motors, Fastlay Services, Inkfish Tattoo Studio, Roocou, Swift Roofing and Champs Boxing for their support.

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