Luke Paddock good and ready for fight night

Bloxwich's Luke Paddock would have fought anyone to get his Midlands light welterweight title shot at Wolverhampton Civic Hall.

But a disappointing turn of events means his dreams of becoming the area champion have been put on hold, although there's still plenty to box for.

It won't be Calum Cooper or Chris Truman in the other corner but Simas Volosinas tonight after the Lithuanian stepped in this week, writes Craig Birch.

Cooper was forced to vacate and retire after failing a brain scan, while Truman had a change of heart after taking the fight at two weeks notice.

The vacant International Masters crown will the prize on the line and, as his first 'senior' title, has some incentive for Paddock.

He's only ever won a British Masters Bronze title over his seven fights as a professional and will accustom himself to a 10-rounder, as expected, in bout No 8.

And 'Cool Hand' has stayed calm and maintained focus in some adversity for what will now be Volosinas, Paul Holt's conqueror after knocking out the undefeated Brummie last month.

Paddock said: "I am feeling good and ready to go, I have known about this night for months so I have been training my socks off.

"There's some disappointment there that it won't for the Midlands, because that's what I had set my heart on, but that's boxing. It will come round again, I know it will.

"It was terrible news about Calum, but his health comes first. I was really looking forward to that fight, I think it would have had a bit of everything.

"Truman could have actually been a harder opponent, through his experience if nothing else, but that didn't materialise either.

"But it's still a belt and my first time over 10 rounds, which all of my training camp has been geared towards. I actually wouldn't mind going the distance."

Paddock and Volosinas made the weight easy yesterday as they tipped the scales at Wolverhampton's Novotel, less than 10 minutes from the Civic.

The European visitor hasn't boxed since taking Holt out and, while beatable as the 20 defeats on his record suggest, stands a puncher's chance.

Paddock said: "I won't go out there looking for the stoppage, because that's how Paul Holt got knocked out. You can get caught out yourself if you try and force it.

"He will be dangerous, I know that, but as long as I stick to my boxing and listen to what my coaches tell me I will win.

"If the fight goes the distance, I know I will have my hand raised. The result just depends on whether I perform to my best in there."

For more information about the show, call the Civic box office on 0870 320 7000 or promoter Paul 'PJ' Rowson on 07976 283 157. There will be tickets available on the door tonight.