Liam Etheridge grants rematch for English title
Walsall's Liam Etheridge has granted Mat Windle a rematch for the UniBox Central England flyweight title to take place on home turf next month.
Etheridge avenged his defeat to Windle in the England Elite national competition earlier this year when he snatched the belt two weeks ago, ,
But the 20-year-old, who represents Pleck Boxing Club, feels they need to go at it again to truly decide who is the better fighter at 52kg.
They are set for battle at the Banks's Stadium on Thursday December 11, with Etheridge hoping to defend his crown twice before the Elite tournament rolls around again in March.
One of the last Clubs for Young People national champions wants to box for England, too, before he ditches the vest to turn pro.
He said: "It's 1-1 between me and Mat now, so we have to got to have a decider! I beat him well last time and it's great to be champion.
"These belts are a great way to keep active. There's no CYPs anymore, so the England Elite is the only tournament to go for each year and that's no good to me.
"I want to be busy, so I am going to defend against Mat and then box a regular bout on another show at the Banks's the following Thursday.
"I am happy with what I have done as an amateur, but there's still things I want to achieve. One more shot at the Elite could help me to get there.
"If I can win them, the England selectors can't overlook me. I am surprised I haven't been called up yet and it's a big ambition of mine.
"After that, I will turn pro. That's just a matter of time, but there's no rush."
His unanimous points victory took place at the De Montfort Sports Centre in Evesham, with revenge in Etheridge's mind.
He started quickly and took the first two rounds, Windle left nearly out on his feet after walking on to a stiff straight right hand in the second.
The beaten co-challenger, formerly of Warley but now boxing for the newly-formed Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham, went on a salvage mission in the third.
He rocked Etheridge with a loaded right hand but, knowing he was behind on points, couldn't force the stoppage needed for him to claim the strap instead.
Etheridge said: "I boxed well and felt fast and sharp, he's a fit lad so I knew that was needed to win the first two rounds.
"After that, I got on my toes and tried to keep him at bay, I remember the punch he caught me with and I didn't fancy another one! I had to grit my teeth.
"I thought it was over in the second, all the energy seemed to go out of his legs, but fair play to him for recovering.
"We are natural rivals and quite well matched, so I am expecting another good fight on December 11. I am looking forward to it."
