The new hard edge to Wilkes' game

Essington light middleweight Ben Wilkes is looking to take a new hard edge to Northampton next month after coming through the first 'war' of his career.

The 23-year-old heads east cross the Midlands to fight at the Country Ground on May 8, and is down for a four-rounder in what will be the seventh bout of his fledgling career.

But the unbeaten prospect was given the sternest examination of his mettle yet against the never-stopped Ryan Clark last month, engaging in a compelling slug-fest with his game opponent.

In truth, Wilkes was a comfortable winner in the end after taking every round, but had to suck it up and take the fight to the Waddington brawler at points.

The heavy-handed body puncher was not found wanting in bottle when there was no place to hide, and believes that experience will serve him well as he continues to climb the ranks.

To box is the first objective, but the Black Country fighter now feels capable of mixing it up in anyway necessary.

He said: "I want to try and adapt to the fight, and if I can get away without getting into a war then great.

"That didn't happen last time, I got caught with some silly shots and, don't get me wrong, a couple of them did hurt. I just had to grit my teeth and get on with it.

"Sometimes you have to fight your opponent, rather than box, and that is what happened. It's all a learning curve for me."

Wilkes' road trip to Northampton is the first time he has crossed the divide from the West Midlands to fight, but an experience that will be embraced.

He added: "It will be nice to get out and about, just to soak up a new atmosphere in a different town. A boxing ring is the same wherever you go."

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