Ball fired up for Villa fight
Coseley's Jamie Ball steps into the ring at the Aston Villa Events Centre on February 6 ready and aiming to surpass his debut year.
The 24-year-old begins his 2009 campaign against experienced Welshman Chris Brophy, who knows a thing or two about fighters from the 'First Team Promotions' camp.
The Swansea slugger has gone the distance with Russell Colley and Stuart Elwell, who gets his shot at the British welterweight title in London tomorrow night.
Now he takes on the new kid on the block in fight number five of Ball's professional career - and the first time he has competed away from Wolverhampton Civic Hall.
The southpaw has been sparring with Elwell to help him prepare for the fight, along with another fighter with a well-earned reputation in former British champion Young Mutley.
Ball has big plans for this year and cannot wait to get started.
He said: "Chris is just another step I have to get past to get up the rankings. He is a tough opponent and they getting harder fight by fight, but I am ready and able to step up to the plate. It's all a part of my development.
"I hope to get another six fights under my belt this year, with some six rounders among them, then I feel I will be ready for a Midland or British Masters title shot by the end of the year. I have four wins under my belt, and you can bet I want a 10-0 record at the end of 2009.
"My ultimate aim is to become the British champion - but I have to walk before I can run."
Another big preparation has been a trip to Anthony Farnell's gym in Manchester, where the former WBU middleweight champion has been training World Amateur Lightweight Champion and Ball's childhood friend Frankie Gavin for his professional debut.
The Coseley prospect took much from the experience.
He said: "I know Frankie from my amateur days, we used to train and do sparring together. It was nice to be up in Manchester, with Anthony there, learning how they do things there and so on. It was a good experience and I hope to go there again after my next fight.
"It gave me even more confidence in my own ability, which I will show at the Aston Villa Events Centre."
To be there for Ball's next big test, contact promoter Paul 'PJ' Rowson on 07976 283 157.
