Ball wants fitting end to 2008

Coseley's Jamie Ball will sign off for 2008 on his own doorstep at Dudley's 'the Venue' on November 29 - and he wants to do it in style.

The southpaw will compete in his fifth professional bout and the final fight of his debut year in the pro ranks, with a 5-0 record just one task away.

It has been a breakthrough year for the light-middleweight, establishing a firm fan base and a reputation as an entertainer in the ring.

Paul Royston, Peter Dunn, Ernie Smith and Tye Williams have already fallen to the 24-year-old and he wants to keep up that sort of form.

He said: "When I made my debut, I set a target of five wins and no defeats by Christmas, so obviously this is the last hurdle for me to do that.

"It has been a tremendous year for me. I have come on leaps and bounds.

"To compete at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall, to be on the 'Crunchtime at Lunchtime' bill and now to finish off in Dudley. It has been nothing but highs."

Ball will only get one chance to achieve what he set out to do in his first year as a pro, on the last 'First Team Promotions' show of 2008.

He also has the incentive of competing in front of his own fans, 'the Venue' a short distance away from the popular fighter's Coseley base.

He said: "As far as I concerned, Dudley and 'the Venue' is my manor, so it will be a great adrenalin rush for me to fight in front of my people. This is the last show of the year and to finish my year in Dudley will be extra special.

"There is a strong local presence, with myself, Darren McDermott and Richard Ghent all local boys and all from the same amateur club in Priory Park. It is going to be a great night!

"I am sure our people will turn out in force to see us fight."

To be there for Ball's last battle of 2008, contact promoter Paul 'PJ' Rowson on 07976 283 157.

Tickets are priced at £30 and £50. The £50 ticket includes a table seat, full Indian meal and a drinks service.