Ball back in action at Civic

Coseley's Jamie Ball aims to take another step towards his ultimate goal when he faces Ernie Smith at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall on Friday night.

The talented 24-year-old steps into the ring for the third time as a pro, pitted against another hugely experienced foe in the Stourport slugger, who will be competing in his 149th professional bout.

For Ball, it is another hurdle for the lightning quick southpaw to to pass on the way to the promised land - a title fight.

He said: "I will be looking at a title shot in the new year. By then I should have five fights under my belt and, with a good record, hopefully people will take notice and I will come into contention.

"The Midlands welterweight title is my first goal and I will look up from there. Young Mutley, who has been the British welterweight champion, is the guy I look up to. If I could achieve anything like that, I would be well pleased with my career."

Ball was originally scheduled to face Chris Brophy, who was beaten by Wolverhampton's Russell Colley last time out at the Civic on September 12.

Colley will not be resting come Friday, as he competes for the second time this month in place of Steve Saville. He faces Tye Williams of Dewsbury.

The main event will feature Stafford's only professional boxer Rob Hunt, who squares off against Jason Nesbitt, a battle-hardened opponent who squared off against Dean Harrison in September 2007.

For Ball, who has already dispatched of Paul Royston and Peter Dunn, the focus is Smith.

He said: "It will be another great learning fight. Each fight I have I learn something new. Ernie has been in there with some great fighters and has a lot of experience. I will not take him lightly.

"I will be going for the attack. That is the way I fight. I am an offensive boxer. At this level, you need to go for it. Time is not on my side rounds wise, so I have to try to end fights quickly.

"I have a lot of my fans coming to the Civic, so it should be a good turnout. To have all those people cheering me on, it is a great feeling and spurs me on.

"I will not let them down on Friday night."

To be there for the big show, get your tickets from the box office on 0870 320 7000 or promoter Paul 'PJ' Rowson on 07976 283 157.