No friends in Black Country derby

Friendship will be put to one side in eight days time when the latest Black Country derby gets underway for the British Masters light welterweight title.

Coseley's Richard Ghent goes up against Brierley Hill's Martin Gordon at Wolverhampton Civic Hall, for the crown vacated by Tipton's Rob Doody after beating Gordon on points at the Civic in March.

Ghent is the new name in the frame and goes way back with his opponent, as up and coming amateurs in the Dudley area before both turned pro.

But the unbeaten 22-year-old is determined to make the most of a massive opportunity to win a belt in just his sixth professional bout.

He said: "I am not one that worries, I will just take it as it comes. Martin is a friend of mine and we go back a long way, so it will be a very interesting fight. It's nothing personal, boxing is a business and I am going to have to be all business on the day.

"I'll adapt as I go on, but I am expecting him to come forward and try to bully me.

"But I have a plan, I will stick to it and I am very confident I can get the job done."

Gordon is in no mood to let his friend spoil the party either, in what will really be his World Cup final and a last chance after losing to Doody.

It's highly unlikely a shot will come up again in defeat and, at age 27, the 12-fight pro is adamant this time the opportunity will not pass him by.

He said: "It doesn't matter if Richard is my friend or not, you have got to take the chances that come along in boxing. A lot of people don't even get a chance of a title, so to get a second shot is like a World Cup final for me.

"I have got to put it on him from the first bell, I can't be three rounds down before I wake up.

"I know he is going to come out strong and sharp, so I will have to step it up. If he wants to box we can box, but I am going to try and suck him in to my style of fighting.

"It's up to me to show what I have got left in me and how I really want this title.

"I am the underdog and that suits me, because I am under no pressure."

For tickets, call the box office on 0870 320 7000 or promoter Paul 'PJ' Rowson on 07976 283 157.

The show will also be broadcast online live on pay-per view at a cost of just £2.99, through Hatton TV at www.hattonboxing.tv.