Express & Star

James Beech Jr putting on the pounds

James Beech Jr admits stepping up to super-featherweight might be for ‘one time only’ as he prepares to challenge for the Midlands title in a huge home-town fight.

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He and former title challenger Louis Fielding will do battle for the vacant area crown at Walsall Town Hall on Saturday, December 8.

The two headline Errol Johnson’s BCB Promotions show at the venue, which is a short distance from Beech’s roots in Bloxwich.

The 21-year-old will put on pounds to take his opportunity, after intending to campaign at super bantam. He’s only weighed in at over 130lbs once – his last outing – as a pro so far.

Beech is unbeaten after eight paid bouts, with one TKO to his credit, and now puts his ‘0’ on the line against an opponent who has no such worries.

Tamworth’s Fielding, 28, has eight wins himself but also five losses, including a sixth round stoppage to Paul Holt with the same honours on the line in 2016.

Beech will give up height and natural size to his co-challenger, but feels he can still slay his foe and get his hands on the British Boxing Board of Control endorsed strap.

Family pride will be something else on the line for the second-generation fighter. He’s the son of Jimmy Beech, who featured 31 times as a pro at lightweight between 1999 and 2008.

He’s a graduate of Pleck Boxing Club, who he boxed for 80 times with 50 wins. This year has marked a decade since he first competed as an amateur.

Another James Beech Jr arrived recently with the birth of Beech Jr’s first child – James Beech Junior Junior!

He said: “The little one is here now and I’m so proud of him, and my partner Italia,” he said.

“I’ve been wanting something big to happen and this is a whole new level. When I reach that, I want to stay there. I’ve been boxing for 10 years now and to have this first 10-round contest to see out 2018 is something I’m buzzing about.

“To be in the main event with all of my friends, family and supporters there at the Town Hall puts a bit pressure of me, but I’m sure I’ll rise to the occasion.

“We tried to get Fielding at feather, but he didn’t think he could make the weight and I can understand that, because he’s a big super-feather.

“Both belts are vacant, so it’s no major issue, and I’ll still be looking to get as fit as possible.”