'I've got the attributes to go all the way' - Meet Sam Noakes AKA the 'Maidstone Golovkin', a lightweight prospect who has a perfect record of 10 fights, 10 wins, 10 knockouts
To draw comparisons with Gennadiy Golovkin, you must be a pretty impressive fighter and Sam Noakes most definitely is.
The 25-year-old has been taking boxing's professional ranks by storm, putting together a Beterbiev-esque perfect record of ten fights, ten wins and ten knockouts.
7
7
7
Noakes first got into boxing because of his older brother, Sean, who boxed on the undercard of Artur Beterbiev vs Anthony Yarde, on Saturday night and scored a stunning knockout.
When asked about his origins in the sport, Noakes told talkSPORT: "Sean used to do it before I did and then I kept being a little s*** and my mum made me get into it and I've never looked back since.
"I think it's always good to be in sports from a young age and I took to it really well."
Noakes did indeed take to boxing well and this is largely due to the considerable power he carries, which he believes is his best attribute.
"I'd say power is one of [my best attributes], I've got a good engine too, but I think power is the main one," Noakes said.
"I think it helps that I'm on top of my opponents all the time and they can't keep up with that and it's obviously working."
7
Most read in Boxing
Noakes power and work rate has earned him the nickname 'The Maidstone Golovkin,' being from the Kent town, and it is a nickname he enjoys, as he admires the Kazakh fighter.
"Out of all the fighters, I've probably watched the most of Golovkin," Noakes said. "Just how he is as a sportsman, I think he's a really nice fella in and out of the ring."
In terms of Noakes' ambitions in the sport, he gave an honest answer, saying: "To make as much money as I possibly can.
"Obviously, I want to be a world champion as well, but it's a long road.
7
"I've got the attributes to go all the way and I'm willing to work hard at it. It's not guaranteed but I'm going to give it my best to do so."
If Noakes does want to 'go all the way' he will have to overcome some stiff competition, as he campaigns in the lightweight division, which is one of the most talent rich weight classes in boxing.
As it stands, Devin Haney is the current undisputed lightweight world champion and there are a number of terrific young fighters breathing down his neck, such as Shakur Stevenson and Ryan Garcia among others, but Noakes believes that in a few years he will be able to contend with them all.
"I've still got a lot of learning to do," Noakes said. "Those guys have had 20 or 30 odd fights, I've only had ten.
7
7
"So, I've still got a bit of learning to do and get some rounds under my belt, but in two or three years if I'm there, I'll be ready to go for it.
"I mean I definitely have what it takes to give it a good go.
Read More on talkSPORT
"They're flying at the minute, some of them we'll probably be moving up in weight as well, but in a few years I'll definitely be a good contender for them."
As for the rest of 2023, Noakes just wants to stay on course and maintain his perfect record, as he said: "This year, hopefully I'll get four more knockouts and in impressive style."
talkSPORT BET OFFER OF THE DAY
Get up to £40 in free bets* - CLAIM HERE
18+ New customers only. Opt in, bet up to £40 (min. £20) on selected events at odds of 2.00+, in 7 days. Get up to £40 in free bets on selected events. Bonuses expire in 7 days. Card payments only. T&Cs apply, see below. begambleaware.org | Please gamble responsibly
