Opportunity knocks for Dudley's title rivals
Tipton's Ricky Summers and title rival Carl Wild are under no illusions that opportunity knocks ahead of their battle for the belt in Dudley tonight.
The two go toe-to-toe for the vacant British Challenge light heavyweight crown at the Venue,
Summers, unbeaten after reeling off 10 straight wins, faces his step up against a man who has given most of the top contenders in the division a run for their money.
It's a make-or-break fight for the seasoned Black Country fighter, who is ready to enforce his belief he's capable of winning the British title.
Wild has taken the new champion, Hosea Burton, former boss Bob Ajisafe and ex-world titlist Enzo Maccarinelli the distance.
The former Central area champion comes into battle with a gun or be gunned down record of 14 wins, 24 losses and five draws from his 43 pro contests.
Summers is focused on the task in hand and agrees that tomorrow's test will provide an accurate barometer of where he's at.
He said: "I'm not one to bad mouth opponents, I've got respect for Carl and what he has done. I'm a down-to-earth lad.
"But the harsh truth is that if can't beat Carl Wild, I may as well pack up boxing. I'm in this for big fights and big nights.
"I'm determined to get in there and do the business, so it will make a statement to others. I want to kick on to the major titles.
"I've been of the opinion for some time that I've not seen anything domestically at my weight that can bother me. I believe I can be a British champion and it's time to start proving it."
Summers and Wild tipped the scales at the former's home gym, the pro section of Priory Park Boxing Club Dudley, yesterday.
Both made the weight right at 12st 6lb, indicating they have put the hard yards into their respective training camps as they prepare to lay it all on the line.
Wild is regarded as the gatekeeper of the ranks, but the Sheffield slugger wants to shake off that tag and claim a notable scalp.
He said: "You never say never in boxing and I won't give up on doing something at national level for myself. I don't want to just be putting lads through their paces.
"I've had notice for this, which is a rarity. Normally I get chucked in at the deep end with very little time to prepare. I'm hoping this will bring out the best in me.
"I'm capable of testing anyone in the top 10 and, on my day, I'd stick myself in with anyone at light heavyweight. Let's see what happens tonight."
On the under-card, Les Byfield's development continues at lightweight against the experienced Qasim Hussain, who has just completed his half century of pro contests at the age of just 22.
Like Wild, he's from Sheffield and known to be durable, having failed to complete the distance just once in 53 bouts.
Former unlicenced combatant Byfield has recovered from losing his pro debut on points to reel off a hat-trick of victories over-the-distance.
'The Minefield,' 28, dropped Michael Stupart with a big overhand right in bout number three and brings a hardy band of supporters from Netherton.
Dudley's Josh Miller debuted on the same card as Byfield-Stupart last October at Wolverhampton Civic Hall, with the BoxNation cameras on hand.
The 22-year-old light heavyweight dominated Iain Jackson that night and now takes on the tough Mark Till, travelling down from Stoke-on-Trent. Byfield and Miller are Summers' stable-mates.
Flamboyant flyweight Matt Windle's actions will speak louder than words when he takes his place in the line-up.
The Brummie, an ex-amateur for Warley, will be looking to build on his debut win over Anwar Alfadli against Czech visitor Patrick Bartos.
The punching poet, who teaches the prose in schools by day, operates under the 'Matt Man' persona and provides quite an entrance.
Brad Foster, from Lichfield, completes the card. The former world kickboxing champion is one of the youngest professionals in the country at 18.
'The Blade' shut out Josh O'Donnell on points in December's paid bow and now tackles Gateshead's Gary Reeve, who is 12 years his senior.
Tickets, priced at £35 and £50 ringside, are still available from the promoter on 07976 283 157. The Venue can be contacted on 01384 459 800. They will also be available on the door tonight.
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