Express & Star

Grant Cunningham facing a test for a tune up

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Stafford's Grant Cunningham could face a live opponent in Stoke with Dudley's Jamie Gelder determined to show his mettle.

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Cunningham has it all to lose a week this Saturday, after being put forward for an English title eliminator against Leeds' Damon Jones next year,

writes Craig Birch.

The British Boxing Board of Control have invited purse bids by December 10 down at middleweight, with Jez Wilson and Lewis Taylor contesting the vacant crown three days later.

The undefeated 'Maximus,' from Moss Pit, has Gelder to tackle first over four rounds at the Queens Theatre in Burslem, regarded as a tune-up after his title success.

The 30-year-old claimed British Masters Bronze honours up at super middleweight with a wide points victory over Telford's Kieron Gray last month to make it 10-0-0.

He said: "It would be a huge deal for me to fight for an English title. It's what I'm in the sport for and I would grab the opportunity with both hands.

"I have another fight first, which I am focused on, so there's no real thoughts yet about a fight beyond Jamie Gelder.

"Jamie is a very active fighter and he seems like he comes to cause upsets. I've seen him in action before, so I know a little bit about him.

"I wanted to be in the ring more often, so I guess you can call this a 'keep busy fight' but I don't take anybody lightly.

"I will approach this fight fully prepared. It's a good way to sign off 2014. Hopefully, 2015 will be a big year for me."

Determined - Jamie Gelder (middle) insists he's not coming to make up the numbers.

Gelder is still smarting for his first stoppage loss in the paid ranks, lasting less than a round with Luke Crowcroft in Doncaster earlier this month.

Referee Michael Alexander stepped in fearing he had broken his jaw, after an ugly brawl which marked the 22-year-old's four straight pro defeat.

The have gloves-will travel combatant does have two wins on his record, though, with 'Danger' insisting he has the tools to shatter all of Cunningham's dreams.

Gelder said: "I am looking forward to getting back in there. I'm stronger and ready to cause upsets.

"I think I would have beaten that Crowcroft easy, but I gave away 7lb in weight and he knocked my tooth out. It wasn't a KO.

"I know Grant is very experienced, but he's nothing I can't handle. I need just need to stay focused with him, I have a punchers chance and I know I can beat anyone on my day."

For more information and tickets to the show, call 07913 861 718.