Breakthrough year rolls on for Ben
The evolution of Ben Wilkes has reached it's highest plateau yet in his debut year as a professional and 2009 is far from over.
Essington's popular middleweight is back in action against Welsh southpaw Luke Osman at Wolverhampton Civic Hall on September 18, the scene of all three of his wins since turning pro in February.
And Wilkes is already off the mark inside the distance as well. His fifth-round knockout of the normally unflappable Davey Jones in June got fight fans talking, and was the perfect tonic for him to go into the summer break.
The 22-year-old is used to fighting the odds - he lost five-and-a-half stone in nine months to make his debut as a professional boxer after a decade out of the sport.
But still the fledgling fighter is refusing to get carried away.
He said: "It was nice to get a stoppage. If you had told me at the start of the year that I would have had three fights, had my first stoppage and be unbeaten by September I would have been happy with that.
"I am not the sort of fighter that makes big targets, I take each test it comes and don't get too far ahead of myself. I would like another couple of bouts before the end of the year, but I will not be rushing anything.
"There will be no short notice fights or anything like that, I wouldn't risk my record for it."
Wilkes takes on Osman over four, three minutes rounds this time - the first time the home fighter has done above two minutes a round.
It was his decision to do so, as he plans to take in sterner tests over the coming months to heighten his education in the paid ranks.
Two minutes can come and go quickly in the ring - even over six rounds - so the Essington prospect is looking for more time to work.
And he warns his opponent it is 60 seconds more where he can do damage.
He said: "I have told the fight organisers I want to fight four, three's this time. It will be the first time I have done three's, which are a bit more of a physical test but gives you that bit more time to pick your opponent apart.
"That will give time to think, work out what the crack is and apply what I need to apply."
To be there for fight night, contact the box office on 0870 320 7000 or promoter Paul 'PJ' Rowson on 07976 283 157.
