Two new prospects join the Black Country melting pot of boxing talent on Friday night as the two Chrises - Male and Lewis - begin their professional careers at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall.
Wolverhampton light-welterweight Chris Lewis, 21, starts his journey against the wily veteran Peter Buckley at the Civic, a hugely experienced foe who will be competing in his 294th professional bout.
Lewis - the 50th professional boxer from the First Team stable - has a fine pedigree in the amateur ranks, with a record of 36 wins out of 46 unpaid bouts, which led him to the final of the Midlands ABA final.
Now joining the pro ranks, he feels ready to go.
He said: “If it all goes to plan, I hope to carve out a good career for myself. My ambition is to compete for a Midlands title and then go on to win an English or British title.
“At this stage, I just want to get a few wins under my belt and see where that takes me. I will know when I am ready to make the step up. I just want to learn.”
Cradley super-featherweight Chris Male, 25, goes toe-to-toe with Telford’s Shaun Walton in his professional bow. A postman by day, Male makes the step up as another impressive amateur graduate.
He has even tasted championship glory before, with a stint as ABC junior title holder. He will bring a strong following with him, having sold over 100 tickets for his bout alone.
He said: “I want to keep active, keep fighting regularly and that is how I will learn. I will have a lot of my people there to support me and that will spur me on. Hopefully, I can give them a win.
“Down the line, I would love to win a British title. It would be beyond my wildest dreams. As far as I am concerned, there is no point in being in the sport if you do not want to win titles.”
The Chrises have undergone a rigourous training regime ahead of their big night. Sparring partners at the famed Wednesbury Boxing Academy include Dean Harrison and Martin Gethin.
Lewis said: “It has helped me out a lot but obviously I will find out how much when I fight. We have a great pool of fighters who use the gym and it is invaluable experience.”
Male added: “I have enjoyed sparring with these great boxers. They have been there and done it. I learn from them every day and that is what it is all about.”
To be there for the Chrises debut, contact the box office on 0870 320 7000 or promoter Paul ‘PJ’ Rowson on 07976 283157.
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