Portman's experience key to glory
Marcus Portman believes his experience of the big stage is key in his bid to re-enter the British title race and become Midland champion.
The 29-year-old light middleweight joins fellow West Bromwich boxer Young Mutley at Nottingham's Trent FM arena tonight, taking on Sheffield's Tyan Booth for the vacant Midland title.
The winner will be next in line for the Lonsdale belt still held by Anthony Small, a crown that evaded Portman when he was beaten by Gary Woolcombe in 2007. The southpaw also came up short in his bid to become Commonwealth champion last year, when he was stopped by Bradley Pryce.
It's something that still cuts deep with the southpaw, who feels this is his first chance to right those wrongs.
He said: "I have took on these big occasions before and - although it may not have always worked out for me - I know what is required.
"Hopefully this can set my sights towards the British title again, so this is a massive fight for me. This is the last chance and the last route that I will get. On my day, I believe that I have more tools than those guys.
"But I won't be taking Tyan lightly, because I have got a lot more to lose than he has. I am going to have to be at my best - this is not a pushover fight at all. But he has not fought anybody of my calibre and he has never beaten anybody decent.
"For me, he can only go one way in this fight - onto the back-foot and expect me to come after him. I won't be doing that, I will be waiting to play him at his own game. He's a counter puncher, so what can he do?"
