GARY CORNISH has admitted that big-punching Croat Marino Goles could be all that is standing between him and a potential British heavyweight super-fight with David Price or Anthony Joshua.
Scotland's great heavyweight hope will face the man known as "the Beast" on Saturday night, at the Paisley Lagoon Centre, knowing that only victory against a dangerous opponent who has knocked-out 15 of his foes in 17 victories, while only losing twice, will keep him on course for his ultimate ambition of a crack at the Lonsdale belt.
But with Team Cornish having watched Price's plodding six round victory over Brazilian journeyman Irineu Costa, at the O2 World Arena, in Berlin on Saturday night, the former Olympic super-heavyweight bronze medallist's unimpressive display has only served to heighten Cornish's determination to beat Goles and set up a big money all-Brit battle later in the year.
Cornish said: "When I beat Goles and I mean when and not if, then it will be another big step closer to a shot at one of these boys like Price or Joshua but if I don't win come Saturday that isn't going to be happening anytime soon.
"The bottom lines is that I need to keep winning and if I do then I have 100 per cent confidence that my manager Tommy Gilmour will get me a shot at the likes of the these guys.
"What is important for me is that I don't look beyond Goles and think about what might be down the line. I have a job to do Saturday night, Goles is a decent fighter with a decent record and like all heavyweights he can bang.
"So you focus on your next fight and concentrate on getting the job done and once I'm done then it will be time to look forward but I'm hungry for the big fights."
A succession of call-offs ahead of a projected British heavyweight title eliminator last Autumn, meant that the 27 year-old, who has compiled an unbeaten 19 fight ring resume, only had two outings in 2014 and Cornish admits that the frustration of his inactivity will also be a powerful motivation on Saturday night at the Paisley Lagoon Centre.
The boxer known as 'The Highlander' said: "2014 didn't work out like I hoped and I just want to push on this year. Ideally I'd love to fight once a month if Tommy (Gilmour) can get me the fights.
"My team have got me in great shape for this one and I am just looking to take out all of my frustration on Goles and use this fight as the stepping stone to bigger things."
Tickets for the Paisley Lagoon Show are available on 0141 810 5700 priced £40, £50, and £75 VIP.
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