Welborn looks to emulate pal Macca
Dudley's Jason Welborn is eying glory of his own as he prepares to cheer on his good friend and Commonwealth title challenger Darren McDermott.
Welborn will be ringside at the Watford Coliseum tonight, as 'the Black Country Bodysnatcher' takes on Darren Barker with the belt on the line.
The two have known each other since they were amateurs and have the same trainer in Ronnie Brown.
Both head south confident that 'Macca' - already the English champion - will taste further glory on the ITV4-televised show.
But the 23-year-old will also be dreaming his revived career can reach it's own crescendo in the welterweight ranks - with the next test lined up for Wolverhampton Civic Hall on June 12.
He said: "Me and Darren have known each other since we were young, we trained as amateurs together and have always been friends.
"What he is doing with his career inspires me to want to reach those sort of levels."
Welborn trains with 'Macca' at the middleweight's home gym in Dudley and he feels he is reaping the benefits.
He said: "I have been training with Darren right up to his fight - and obviously I have one of my own to get ready for! We know how to push each other and I take a lot from those experiences.
"Hopefully we can both come home with the win."
The welterweight division in Britain is as tough as they come at the moment, with much-respected champion Kell Brook at the top of the tree.
No 1 contender Jamie Cox heads the chasing pack, with Welborn's 'First Team' stablemates Young Mutley and Mark Lloyd also well in the hunt.
The new kid on the block knows his work is cut out for him.
He said: "It's a tough division, make no doubt about it, you only have to look around the 'First Team' camp to see that.
"But Darren is on his way to that triple crown, so if I can get up to level I would be delighted."
After hanging up his gloves to start his own business, Welborn returned to the ring after a near three-absence last month, on the same bill as 'Macca' at Wolverhampton Civic Hall.
Now back at the same venue, he aims to build on that points win over Kevin McCauley.
He added: "Another go at the Civic is perfect for me."
To be there for the big fight night, contact the box office on 0870 320 7000 or promoter Paul 'PJ' Rowson on 07976 283 157.
