Male's tough test at top of bill
Cradley Heath's Chris Male has declared himself ready for the ultimate challenge as focus shifts toward his Midland title eliminator on October 9.
The Dudley super featherweight takes on Birmingham veteran Sid Razak at the top of the bill in his hometown at 'the Venue.'
It is the third time the two have been scheduled to meet but this time the stakes are high, as they fight for the right to be the No 1 contender to the vacant Midland crown.
Male has never been past four rounds in his six bouts since turning pro last year, and goes up to eight with a veteran of eight years experience in the paid ranks.
It's the step up the 27-year-old has been waiting for.
He said: "This is when I arrive into the title frame. With a win inside the distance, even getting the full eight rounds under my belt, I have put the pressure on myself.
"If I can get through this and get my hands on the Midland belt, then who knows? A couple of wins and I could be looking at British Masters, maybe even English title contention.
"The doors open when you are regarded as a serious contender, so it's all I could hope for, really.
"It's all up for grabs and, in my hometown, it's fantastic."
Razak may be ultra-experienced but he is 36 and has won just three out of 35 professional fights.
Nonetheless, his opponent will not be taking him lightly at 'the Venue.'
'The Male Man' – a postman by day – has yet to lose a round, but is still looking for his first stoppage. And his will to be an endurance fighter ensures he will not go gung-ho this time, either.
Male said: "Sid is a lot better than his record suggests, believe me he is a very good fighter. I am expecting a very tough bout, to be honest, because he is hard as nails.
"It's a step up, no doubt about it, and I am going to have to step it up against him.
"A lot of these journeymen who I have been in with, they know how to tie you up and hold up the time, so I have been getting frustrated trying to break them down.
"I have come out of every fight thinking to myself, 'I could have stopped him if I had a couple more rounds.'
"Now I have eight rounds to pick my opponent apart and, if I can get past Syd, it's my platform to bigger and better opponents in the future."
To be there for fight night, contact the box office on 0870 320 7000 or promoter Paul 'PJ' Rowson on 07976 283 157.
