Coseley southpaw Jamie Ball believes he can reach the heights of decorated Black Country hero Young Mutley as he prepares for his second professional bout at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall next Thursday night.

Mutley has been of the brightest local lights in boxing in recent years and Ball, who made his debut with a points win over Paul Royston on a cracking card at the Civic, wants to take that mantle when the 32-year-old retires.

The 23-year-old certainly has the popularity. He has already sold over 250 tickets, with the best part of a week left until the big fight.

He said: “In the future, I want to become the next British Welterweight champion from the Black Country. I can be the next Mutley.”

The two have already met in the ring, sparring at the Wednesbury Boxing Academy to prepare for the card. Former British Welterweight Champion Mutley tops the Civic bill against Latvian No 2 Sergejs Savrinovics.

Ball faces Peter Dunn, his initial opponent for his first bout who was forced to pull out through injury, leaving Royston to take his place.

Now the two finally meet and the experienced Dunn, who has 111 professional bouts to his name, holds no fear the new kid on the block.

He said: “Peter is going to be tough but if I box my way I know I can beat him. I am confident in own ability. It is another test for me but one I am ready for.

“You will see the best of me at the Civic next Thursday.”

Ball has been undergoing a gruelling training regime ahead of the fight. His day begins at 6am with a five-mile run, before a full days work and then back to the training, either at the academy or the purpose built Fitness First complex at Brierley Hill.

He said: “It has been going great. I have been doing some great sparring at the academy and getting some great work done at Fitness First.

“I have invited some of the directors from Fitness First down to the fight, as a thank you for the help they have given me.”

Oh and his job by day? A Quantity Surveyor.

He said: “I was a personal trainer but got bored of that, so studied for a change of career. I have been doing this job for six months.

“I start at the University of Wolverhampton in September for my HND in quantity surveying, on day release from my job.”

You can buy tickets for Ball’s big night from promoter PJ Rowson on 07976 283 157, or from the Civic box office on 01092 312 029/0870 320 7000.