Boxing bill to pack a punch

The cream of Stafford's amateur boxers are in action tonight and some enthralling action looks guaranteed.

Six local boys box at the St Leonard's Sports & Social Club on a bill that will be filled out with boxers from Rugeley to guarantee value for money and at least 10 bouts.

Top of the bill is light-heavyweight Grant Cunningham, who has punched his way out of Highfields to make something of his life.

He once used to wash cars for a living – now Grant has just passed a qualification (with honours) to become an electrician.

Cunningham, 25, went to Stafford College at night while working by day as a window cleaner.

Cunningham's opponent will be tough. Grant nearly made the All England Novice finals a couple of seasons ago so is no longer allowed to box just anyone.

Meanwhile, the Stafford boxer with probably the toughest test is club skipper Jake Mould of Moss Pit.

The quality 15-year-old has a rematch with a Walsall fighter who beat Jake just a month ago.

Bout of the night will almost certainly involve Coton Fields' 13-year-old Andrew Dodd, who like Mould, goes to Blessed William Howard High School in the town.

Dodd is unbeaten in three bouts and faces a boxer from Birmingham who has also had three bouts and three wins.

Somebody's '0' will have to go.

A potential star has to be 17-year-old Walton-on-the-Hill boxer Joe Ventress, who has the second bout of his career on the bill.

Ventress won his first but that was a while back, so he will have some rust to shed. But Joe is already sparring pros, he is that good.

Look out for local stocky southpaw Joe Clee, who has his first bout after proving himself in thrilling sparring sessions with Dodd.

And Eccleshall's Jim 'Bob' Harriot – whose dad is the village postman – also has his first bout. He is as keen as mustard.

Stafford's only professional boxer, Rob Hunt, will be handing out the prizes.

Tickets are £10 and available by ringing 07903 358507. First bell is 8pm.