Tough Civic test awaits for Lewis
Chris Lewis admits his Friday night showdown with Chris Long at Wolverhampton Civic Hall is the toughest test of his fledgling career so far.
Still in his first year as a pro, the hometown light-welterweight takes on the experienced 29-year-old after two of his 'First Team' stable-mates came unstuck against the fighter from Calne in Wiltshire.
Long is not your typical journeyman. Nearly always the away fighter, but he can come back and bite you in an instant - ask Stafford's Rob Hunt and Walsall's Martin Gethin.
He dropped Hunt at the Civic en route to a draw in April, while he left the credibility of Gethin in tatters after outpointing him in Birmingham last month.
That decision was disputed by all, yet it was the first time Long had avoided defeat in back-to-back fights since 2004. You can bet he wants to make it a hat-trick against Lewis.
But the highly-rated 21-year-old has forged his own reputation over six straight wins in eight busy months since his debut.
He knows a potential banana skin awaits, one that he must tackle head on.
Lewis said: "I am confident that I can beat him. I am not scared of anybody, these are the tests I have to overcome if I want to make a name for myself. If I beat Chris Long after the run he has had, it will shoot me straight up the rankings.
"I am hoping that with a good win I can get myself a little title fight next, maybe a Midland or British Masters shot. So there is plenty on the line for me as well, I am putting myself up there to be shot at.
"This is my toughest fight to date - he will come to knock me out."
The youngster has warmed up for the fight by enlisting the help of British title contender Dean Harrison as a sparring partner, who has his own point to prove in action against Ali Wyatt on the show.
But 'Deano' certainly has gained himself another fan.
Lewis said: "Dean has been my main sparring partner coming into the fight, what I have learned from him I can take into the future.
"He has been there and done it, been a British title contender, so he has my respect."
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.
