Christmas hasn't came early for fight duo

Christmas hasn't come early for either Ricky Summers or Ryan Aston despite their last fights of the year being called off.

Tipton's Summers and Dudley's Aston were supposed to box last night in the Holte Suite at Aston Villa but the show was cancelled,

Summers had a 'keep busy' light heavyweight outing against long-standing target Mitch Mitchell planned, while Aston was supposed to take on Simone Lucas at light middle.

But they won't be able to over-indulge in festive treats earlier than expected, though, as only new Midlands light welterweight champion Luke Paddock has been given a holiday from the gym.

Sparring is out but has been replaced by strength training three times a week for the pro section of Priory Park Boxing Club, which will last right up until their next ring dates.

They will likely feature on promoter Paul 'PJ' Rowson's next Black Country bill around February time, with both having claimed Masters titles so far in the paid ranks.

Highly-rated welterweight Tommy Ghent, from Coseley, is back in the gym, too, and still in possession of a flawless pro record of five wins with three stoppages.

Trainer Paul Gough: "Ricky and Ryan had trained hard for their fights and sold all of their ticket allocation, so it was a bit of a kick in the teeth.

"But they won't be allowed to dwell on it, though, they are still training and will be for the foreseeable future. We need to keep them ticking over.

"I have made Luke have a holiday, he's boxed eight and 10 rounders twice this year and needs a rest. He still wants to come to the gym, but I have told him all he's allowed to do is watch!

"We haven't seen Tommy for over a year, he's had a break from boxing but he's still looking sharp. I think it just comes naturally to him.

"We work hard here, the lads are not allowed to slack off although they might get a bit of leeway over Christmas. That's only fair."

Both Aston and Summers have acted as sparring partners for Carl Froch, who is now chasing a summer blockbuster with Julio Cesar Chavez Jnr.

Should that come to pass, 6ft plus Summers is likely to get the call again to put the 'Cobra' through the paces, before he tackles the tall and stylish Mexican.

Gough said: "They were pleased with Ricky when he went to spar with Carl last time, they both got what they wanted out of it.

"Carl's trainer, Robert McCracken, likes Ricky and thinks he will go far. He's Team GB's coach, too, so it's a great compliment."