Saddle up for will versus skill in title fight

Midlands title rivals Luke Paddock and Andy Keates have very different ideas to how their battle for the belt will pan out at Walsall Football Club tonight.

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Bloxwich's Paddock finally puts his area light welterweight crown up for the first time against his old amateur rival Keates, writes Craig Birch.

'Cool Hand' and the challenger from the Potteries headline over 10 round,s on a three-fight dinner show in the Stadium Suite at the Banks's.

Paddock was due to defend the belt against Keates - called in at late notice as a replacement for Chris Truman - in June at Wolverhampton Civic Hall, before he was laid low by a norovirus.

It's been a frustrating run for the 23-year-old titlist, who has had to settle for four-round points wins over Alexander 'Fonz' Anderson, Matt Seawright and Liam Richards since seizing the strap.

Paddock on the scales during yesterday's weigh in at the Banks's Stadium.

But there appears to be no stopping this showdown with Keates, who has enjoyed bragging rights with three wins to Paddock's two in unpaid bouts between the pair.

His adversary claims he's will drag him into the trenches and make him prove his unbeaten credentials tonight, but Paddock plans to sit back and strike when he least expects it.

And, with the bout coming on the turf of the team he supports, the Saddlers fan is determined to get another one over on a Stoke opponent, after defeating Josh McLaren to take the crown.

He said: "A war is not in my nature, the job title is marked 'boxing' and that's all I have done since being a pro. I play it safe, then attack.

"I know he's going to be super fit and pressure me but, if he's coming to just brawl, he'll be the one that's wide open when I'm counter punching.

"He's been telling people I can't box on the back foot, but I can more than operate like that. I think he's in for a shock.

"Our amateur fights are history now, I'm a different animal as a pro and all I need to do is make sure I turn up fit and firing tonight.

"I beat another lad from his hometown, Josh McClaren, to win the title in his backyard. He came for it and didn't get the job done.

"And it's at the football club, where the team I support play week in and week out. After tonight, it'll be Walsall 2 Stoke 0! I want those bragging rights."

Keates on the scales during yesterday's weigh in at the Banks's Stadium.

Keates was ringside at the Queens Theatre in Burslem last December to watch his mate McLaren get outpointed and had campaigned to be the one that fought Paddock on the show.

The punching postman is fearless and not defending his '0,' either, as he's already been beaten twice in his 11 pro bouts, in thankless tasks against Sam O'Maison and Dan Stewart.

He's laid out his game-plan he feels will lead him to his first title and feel he's Paddock 'bogeyman,' due to the history there is between the pair.

The 24-year-old said: "I want to test his chin, no one has caught him yet and it will be interesting to see what happens when someone does.

"I wanted to fight him last year, but his people picked Josh. Then there was the fight in June, which I was ready to risk but then he was ill.

"I'm happy that the chance has finally come along and, if I do what I do right, he's in for a hard night. No one is looking for knockouts, this is going to be gruelling stuff.

"He's improved loads as a pro, but I've also come on a lot. Turning over was the best thing I ever did and I think I've got the skills to keep up with him.

"I'll track him down and put him under pressure, but he needs to remember that I can box, too. I'm not as stylish, but I'll sure be effective.

"Both of us have to be on top of our game and the one that isn't won't be the Midlands champion. Let's see what happens in there."

Tickets will be available on the door tonight, priced £30 standard and £40 stage ringside.

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