Black Country fighters finally collide

The boxing ring will host a Black Country derby on the neutral soil of Birmingham's Holiday Inn next Thursday night - and it's not what was expected.

Originally billed as a British Masters welterweight title fight between West Bromwich's out-of-retirement Wayne Downing and Brierley Hill's Martin Gordon, Downing had to be scrubbed from the line-up after his camp raised concerns whether the fighter - despite his protests - would make the weight in time.

But filling the breach, and looking to finally meet Gordon in the ring at the fourth time of asking, is Tipton's Rob Doody, in what will now be a final eliminator for the vacant belt.

It's a big chance for a relative newcomer to the pro ranks, who is unbeaten after three fights, to become a real contender for a title much earlier than expected.

The opponent is the icing on the cake, as the two were supposed to meet twice before the winter only for Doody to break his hand, while their anticipated meeting at Dudley's The Venue in November was called off after the show was cancelled days before fight night.

Now the new addition to the show will see opportunity come knocking.

He said: "Christmas has come late, I wasn't expecting to be in the frame for any title until I had a good few more wins under my belt. If I can win this and then take the title, how much is that going to do for my career?

"Everyone is going to get a shock, and he's in for one as well. It's wrong time, wrong place for him.

"Me and him have got a history now, I will buy him a drink after if he will accept it but I want to settle the score."

Gordon has been left to rue his luck after his long-standing dream of winning a title was put on ice, and the 27-year-old must now clear another hurdle to get his hands on the belt.

It comes just as things were starting to look up, after a eight-fight winless start to life as a pro was halted by back-to-back victories to close out last year.

The fighter is now looking to make Doody pay for his frustrations.

He said: "I am not one to run my mouth but, I am telling you now, Rob is not going to last the distance. Put your money on that, because I am prepared to do some damage.

"No way is Rob Doody is not going to stop me becoming a British Masters champion."

For tickets to the four-fight dinner show, hosted by former World champion John Conteh, contact promoter Paul 'PJ' Rowson on 07976 283 157.