Jamie Ball to get title fight in Walsall

Professional boxing will return to Walsall Town Hall for the first time in five years next month with a second chance at the Midlands title for Jamie Ball.

But it will not be a rematch for Coseley's Ball against Telford's Kieron Gray, who is planning to retire after the two fought to a draw for the vacant area crown at Birmingham's Holiday Inn in December.

'The Black Country Bully' instead faces Newark's Andrew Lowe on February 26 over 10 rounds to decide who will be the new champion of the Midlands light middleweight division, a belt that has proved elusive in recent times.

Ball's draw with Gray was the second time a fight for the title has failed to produce a winner in the last two years, after West Bromwich's Marcus Portman drew a blank with Tyan Booth in October 2009.

Leicester's British title contender Martin Concepcion is the only man to be the champion since then, defending it twice in two compelling brawls against Lincoln's Kevin Hammond last year.

Now Lowe comes into the equation having already been in for a Midlands title himself, his challenge at welterweight scuppered in eight rounds by Telford's Mark Lloyd in 2008.

But the 30-year-old has eight wins from 11 professional fights and his loss to Lloyd remains the only stoppage defeat on his record.

In the chief support bouts, Cradley's British Masters featherweight champion Chris Male will return to the ring looking to establish his English title credentials after eight months out with a broken hand, while amateur star Lee Glover will also box six, three minute rounds for the first time as a pro.

Both have been lined up against international opponents, Male against Stoyan Serbezov and Glover with Plamen Kostadinov, his scheduled fight for Birmingham in December before 'the Tipton Slasher' pulled out with a groin injury.

Also confirmed on the bill is Tipton's former British Masters welterweight champion Rob Doody, back from a year-long break from boxing, while Portobello middleweight Myles Holder also returns after 15 months out of the ring.

The card will also feature the professional debuts of hometown welterweight Danny Clews, formerly of Walsall Wood amateur boxing club, and Stafford middleweight Grant Cunningham.

For tickets, call promoter Paul 'PJ' Rowson on 07976 283 157.