Wilkes to hit the trail at light middle

Essington light middleweight Ben Wilkes has vowed not to take a step back in dropping down a division to hit the campaign trail for 2010.

The 23-year-old spent his debut year bouncing between middle and light middle, but has now made the call to stay at the lighter weight for a sustained push.

It's no surprise that Wilkes can drop and pick up the pounds at his choosing - he dropped five-and-a-half stone in nine months to make it to his pro debut last February.

Five straight wins later and the popular fighter is headed to Wolverhampton Civic Hall on March 14, with Waddington's Ryan Clark the man tasked with taking him down.

Wilkes has yet to lose a round but is refusing to look further than the four, threes with his Lincolnshire opponent - but will be looking for his half dozen come fight night.

He said: "I know I keep saying it but it's one fight at a time, it's boxing and anything can happen. It only takes one punch and it would be one step back that I don't need to be taking, so all I am focussed on is the task in hand.

"This lad is game, he will have a go and I won't be taking him lightly. I am capable of beating him, I wouldn't be in there otherwise."

Wilkes returns to the scene of four of his five wins as a pro, and his first stoppage with a five-round demolition of Davey Jones last June.

The young fighter admits it's a homecoming of sorts.

He said: "It's always nice to box at the Civic, as I have had the majority of my fights there and some good memories to show for it."

For tickets, contact 07870 897 231. The 12-fight show will also be broadcast online live on pay-per-view at a cost of just £2.99, through Hatton TV at www.brandhatton.com.