Lee Glover makes his professional boxing debut this month ready to take up a mantle left some 118 years ago by the original ‘Tipton Slasher.’

The 22-year-old competes at Wolverhampton Civic Hall on July 17 carrying the hopes of his hometown into the ring with him.

He has already been christened with the nickname of Tipton’s most famous fighter, William Perry, a national champion twice in the bare-knuckle era before his death in 1881.

The statue erected to honour him still stands in the town centre to this day.

There are parallels between the two – Glover represented William Perry’s amateur club in his unpaid days.

But it’s his big-hitting, full-on style that has really awoken memories and led to the persona of the modern-day ‘Slasher.’

Now the featherweight hits the long road to glory, aiming to end over a century of waiting for the next boxing superstar from the town.

He said: “That’s my nickname now, ‘the Tipton Slasher’ and it does have a bit of a ring to it! It came through people watching my style of fighting, I am a very aggressive boxer just like he was and I am a big puncher just like he was.

“I don’t mind it, the guy is a legend and will never be forgotten by the people around here. If I could bring a British, European or World title back to the town, maybe they will put up a statue of me one day!

“That is the sort of glory I am hoping to achieve.”

‘The Slasher’ boasts an excellent amateur record, even recording wins over three fighters who have now turned pro.

One of those – Barry McGuigan’s big prospect Troy James – make his debut on the same card at the Civic.

Glover was even selected to box for England in the Three Nations tournament, but turned the offer down to pursue his professional dream.

He said: “I only ever wanted to turn pro, that is why I didn’t want to go to the Three Nations. Now I am making that step, I just want to do the best I can.

“I have always boxed at British level as an amateur and repeating that as a pro is what I am aiming for.

“I have got high hopes that I will be able to make a real impact at featherweight, that is what I am looking to do.”

To be there for the big fight night, contact the box office on 0870 320 7000 or promoter Paul ‘PJ’ Rowson on 07976 283 157.