Steve Saville may keep Midlands title

Wolverhampton lightweight Steve Saville could remain the Midlands lightweight champion despite plans to strip him of the title.

The British Boxing Board of Control has declared the title vacant, although Saville is still in possession of the belt he won by beating Baz Carey in November 2008.

It was a decision made after Saville failed to renew his boxing license while recognised as the area champion, although he has never defended his crown.

But the fighter is to apply and will undergo medicals for a new license then appear before an area council board meeting on October 17, in which he will explain his personal problems over the last few months.

Outside of the ring, Saville has moved his grandfather George into the family home, who suffered a stroke on a holiday to Wales in July and has needed around-the-clock care, although his health is starting to improve.

Inside of the ring, 'the Wednesfield Bomber,' who turned 34 on Wednesday, has been given hope he may be able to hang on to the title.

Area secretary Les Potts said: "It's not beyond the realms of possibility that if Steve successfully renews his license he would be considered a contender for the title again, of course he would.

"If somebody wishes to put on a title fight involving Steve Saville at that point, I am sure that the championship committee would look upon it favourably."

No official application for the Midlands lightweight title has been made, although promoter Carl Greaves is known to be interested in his fighter from Sleaford, Amir Unsworth, competing for the crown before the end of the year.

Northampton duo Leonard Lothian and Jamie Spence have also expressed a wish to be considered challengers for a belt that has been dormant for the last two years.

Saville insists he will take on all comers for the title, which can be won outright with two defences, provided the board will clear him to fight.

He said: "I will go in front of the board and explain the personal problems that I have had, I understand they have procedures to follow and if I had renewed my license in the first place I wouldn't have this problem.

"I am sorry for that, it will not happen again and wouldn't have to begin with if I hadn't had so much on my plate.

"The title means a lot to me, I want to win it outright and I will put this title up against anybody, anywhere. But if they are not putting fighters to me, how can I defend it?

"As soon as they get me an opponent, I will fight."