Ghent reaches another milestone

Coseley's Richard Ghent reaches another milestone this weekend - his 21st birthday - but all focus is on his second pro bout at Dudley's 'the Venue' on November 29.

The light-welterweight comes toe-to-toe with Birmingham's Karl Taylor in his own backyard next Saturday night, after overcoming Kristian Laight in his debut at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall on November 9.

Tomorrow marks the local hope's 21st birthday but, while most would be in bed nursing a sore head, Ghent will instead be attempting to evade having his head caved in, with a morning sparring session ahead of the big fight.

Ghent admits timing has not been his friend.

He said: "I may as well pretend my birthday doesn't exist until after the fight. I shall be tucked up in bed tonight, ready for my Sunday session. I can't afford to lose concentration.

"Not a single drop of alcohol will touch my lips this weekend, I can assure you. Hopefully I will have something to celebrate after the fight, so I may then."

Ghent will take on an opponent literally twice his age in 42-year-old Taylor but the Brummie journeyman brings much knowhow to the dance, having competed in 138 professional bouts.

The 20-year-old said: "Karl has bags of experience but that is the sort of test I need at this stage of my development. As a boxer you never stop learning, so I will carrying on picking things up as I go along.

"Your first fight is a lot like driving on the motorway for the first time, a bit daunting at first but when the initial nerves are out of the way, you feel fine. My confidence seemed to be booming by the end of the fight.

"I maybe struggled to get out of gear in the first few rounds of my debut, but I felt great towards the end of the fight. To get the win was also pleasing, every fighter wants to start with a winning streak.

"I will pick up the pace now, now the first fight is out of the way."

To be there to see the local boy continue his pro journey, 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.