Luke Paddock's fun times with Frankie Gavin
Bloxwich's Luke Paddock has become a regular sparring partner for Frankie Gavin to get himself fighting fit for his first Midlands title defence on Friday night.
The area light welterweight champion puts his crown against Stoke's Andy Keates at Walsall Football Club,
The two are old rivals from their amateur days, where Keates had the edge with three wins to Paddock's two in bouts between the pair.
But 'Cool Hand' has warned his challenger from the Potteries he will be facing a different proposition at the Banks's Stadium come fight night.
The stylish 23-year-old has spent the past few days in the training ring with Gavin at Max McCracken's gym in Birmingham.
Britain's only-ever male world amateur champion has started his camp, as he attempts to rip the British and Commonwealth titles back from Stourbridge's Sam Eggington on October 17.
The Brummie is, arguably, the most skilful southpaw welterweight in the country and challenged fellow Brit Kell Brook for the IBF world title earlier his year.
It's been a learning curve for Paddock, who operates in the 140lb division which Gavin has indicated he will drop down to after his next fight.
And the Midlands titlist at the weight is confident he won't come a cropper to another left-hander in Keates, after what he's had to contend with.
He said: "Frankie wants me to go down there more often, he's told me I'm capable and fast which has really given me a confidence boost.
"He's someone I have looked up to since my amateur days, where I came across Keates a lot and nearly won a national title.
"I got to the CYP (Clubs for Young People) national final in 2009, but I hurt my groin and had to pull out. I would have boxed Mark Heffron, a good mate of Frankie's.
"That's probably the only thing that cuts deep with me from my time in the sport, but I've got a proper pro title and that means more to me."
Sessions with Gavin have typically come over six rounds but they stepped up to 10 - Paddock's championship distance - by the end of this week.
He said: "I feel like I'm holding my own with Frankie now, which shows how I am coming along. It all came about through Twitter.
"I follow him and saw that he was after sparring partners, so I sent him a direct message and he came back to me. He invited me down.
"He's the benchmark to measure yourself against - it was a real eye opener for me and, when I first jumped in, I was a bit shell-shocked.
"He's really hard to land on but he make you miss by an inch, rather than a mile, then he draws you on to his own shots.
"I've had to get my timing right with him and make sure my hands and feet are in the right place, that's so important with southpaws.
"No disrespect, but he's miles better than Keates. If I can handle Frankie compently, I'll have no problems with him."
Paddock is ambitious and plans to step up to national level, after he's proved himself to be a fighting champion with the Midlands title.
The British light welter title remains on the shelf after Tyrone Nurse and Chris Jenkins fought to a draw in July, with two judges scoring the contest all square.
Paddock was offered English champion Joe Hughes in June at two weeks notice - while he was stood in the changing rooms at Walsall Town Hall after outpointing Liam Richards.
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He said: "I watched the British title fight on television and a lot of people phoned me to tell me I'd definitely have a chance with those kind of lads.
"My manager, Paul Gough, dismissed the Hughes fight out of hand, because we wouldn't have had enough time to prepare properly.
"I'm a baby to the sport, so I can take it easy but I know you need to be ready when chances come along. If he wants it, give me enough notice and I'd love a chance at the belt.
"I believe that I'm, at least, an English level prospect and nothing is impossible in this game."
Tickets are still available priced £30 standard and £40 stage ringside by calling Luke on 07881 376 512.
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