Jason Welborn calls out Ryan Aston for title
Jason Welborn today joined the calls for Ryan Aston to take him on in a much-anticipated Black Country derby for the Midlands light middleweight title.
Rowley Regis' Welborn, a two-time British title challenger and reigning area champion, insists he will take the fight if it's put to him,
He's disappointed with quotes attributed to Dudley's Aston in the Express & Star, where he claimed that he's hoping for "bigger, better things."
It's a match-up local fight fans have been calling for and many believe that the time is right for the popular Black Country pair, who live just a few miles from each other, to go head-to-head.
Welborn, a two-weight area champion, is currently ranked sixth in Britain, with Aston perched outside the top 10 in 11th place.
It's Welborn who believes he who should be looking beyond his opponent, but he is adamant he will not duck him.
He declared: "I would take the fight tomorrow. He wasn't really on my radar as I have my eyes on an English or Commonwealth title, or another shot at the British.
"While I wait for that shot, though, I said to my manager Errol Johnson that I'd happily take him on.
"Then I read that he said he's after 'bigger and better things' and that's rattled my cage. What's he's really expecting?
"I'm ranked sixth in Britain so does he think he's going to get a shot at Navid Mansouri, Liam Williams or Joe Selkirk?
"Maybe he thinks he'd ready for a shot at Liam Smith (British Champion) or even Brian Rose (WBO world title contender)!
"He also said that I need him more than he needs me! Other than shutting him up, what have I got to gain by fighting him?
"I fought for the British title twice, I am ranked above him and have already cleaned up, over two weights, at Midlands level. He's fought for a Midlands title and lost.
"After those ridiculous comments about me, he's about the only fighter I'd step back down to Midlands level for.
"If he wants to actually get a recognised British Boxing Board of Control Belt on his record, rather than keep padding it out, I'm here.
"I always liked Ryan. He seems sound but those comments were unnecessary. He did say that it's a fight that 'could happen.'
"Well I'm saying 'let's make it happen'. The fans have been asking for it for ages, so maybe now is the time to get it on.
"If he'd just said that it's not a fight he wants right now, then fair enough but he didn't.
"He's saying that I need him more than he needs me and that he wants bigger and better things. It's disrespectful.
"The fans want it, now I want it. The real question is, does Ryan Aston actually want it? We will see, won't we?"
Welborn returns to the ring for a 'keep busy' fight in Cheltenham on Friday October 24, his first since losing to Smith in July.
