CRAWLEY'S Michael Alldis has vowed to shed his 'nearly man' tag when he fights Patrick Mullings for the vacant British super-bantam weight title on Saturday.
In seven years as a professional, Alldis has fought for five major titles and lost the lot of them.
But now the 31 year-old believes it is time for his moment of glory - and what better motivation than a showdown with Mullings at York Hall, Bethnall Green.
It was Harrow fighter Mullings who beat Alldis in the ABA finals at the Royal Albert Hall in May, 1992.
Both subsequently turned professional with the Crawley man joining Barry Hearn's stable, but the glory nights have by-passed Alldis. Until now.
"This is the most important fight of my life," said Alldis at yesterday's press conference in London.
"It has got to be that important. I am at a stage now where a loss could be beyond the point of no return.
"Winning this fight, though, could lead to many things.
"It would be a case of going from rags to riches."
Alldis who has never lost at Bethnall Green, is also relishing a return with Mullings.
"I am always confident about fights. Patrick has beaten me once before, but I have also beaten him, both in amateur days.
"It is one-all and this is the decider.
"If I knock him down, that's great. But Pat is a durable fighter and I am prepared to go out and win it on points."
Alldis who expects to have over 100 supporters cheering him on, is also hoping to become the first man since Alan Minter to bring a major title back to Crawley.
Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
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