Keith Sheen looks to grab the title

Halesowen's boxing marine Keith Sheen has vowed to grab the chance to become the British Masters welterweight champion with both hands next month.

The still-serving officer takes on title holder Sean McKervey at Wolverhampton Civic Hall on September 5, way ahead of schedule after just four fights as a pro.

But Sheen is building up a reputation as an endurance fighter after going the distance each time and once with a champion, losing on points to International Masters champion Jamie Way last December.

McKervey will prove another tricky customer, after stopping West Bromwich's Wayne Downing in three rounds to take the belt last time at the Civic in June.

However, Sheen is adamant he will not get sucked into a brawl and plans to box clever to nullify the relentless southpaw attacks of the champion.

He said: "I am going to grab this chance with both hands, I won't be taking this lightly at all and I am raring to go.

"He's a tough kid who is coming to come and meet me in the middle of the ring, but I have never had trouble with southpaws and I can't see it being any different this time.

"As long as I turn up in peak condition, like I always am, then I can let the fight unfold after the bell goes."

Sheen tuned up for his title test with a fighting draw against Andrew Patterson last month, in what was the fight of the night at Birmingham's Holiday Inn on July 23.

Patterson is an orthodox version of McKervey – comes forward, throws a lot of leather and never gives his opponent a moment's peace.

But, despite not winning that night, Sheen believes it was perfect preparation for what is ahead.

The 31-year-old said: "That is why I was happy to take that fight, I know it was close to my title shot but, at the same time, I wanted a good warm up to blow the cobwebs away.

"I spar a lot anyway and always get the rounds in at the gym, but you can't beat competitive time in the ring.

"I thought the result was a bit harsh but that's boxing, it's the way it goes and I have been in the game long enough to understand that.

"He threw a hell of a lot of punches but they were not landing cleanly, it was mostly on the arms and gloves, so I thought I had outdone him when I landed to the body."

For tickets to the title fight, call the 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.