Jason Welborn targets quick return

Tividale's Jason Welborn today targeted being back in the ring by the end of the month - despite having not fully recovered from a broken hand.

Welborn boxed on against Rick Boulter at Walsall Town Hall on Saturday, despite breaking two bones in his right hand training for the fight.

A 40-36 points win was Welborn's fifth victory and his fourth in succession, with a stoppage loss to Tyan Booth in 2006 the only blot on his record.

But the 25-year-old has endured frustrating periods of inactivity since turning pro in 2005 and has vowed, whatever the obstacles, to get busy as the year wears on.

He said: "I want big things and a title by the end of the year, that's what I am aiming for. But, now, I am just looking at my next fight.

"My hand feels a bit better, I have been taking pain killers and have a cream that I use, so I can rest it and still do my running and everything.

"I just wrapped it up and fought in my last fight, but I couldn't really use my right hand. If I could have, he would have been gone.

"I could have not fought but I can't afford to keep pulling out, if I want a title this year."

Welborn aims to get into the race for belts this year and, in the light middleweight division, the Black Country already holds the Midlands champion in Coseley's Jamie Ball.

Ball is looking to make the step up to English title level but, if it doesn't come off, Welborn could be put forward as a potential challenger for the area crown.

He said: "I do get on with Jamie, but people have said to me that it would be a good a fight, me and him.

"Boxing is boxing, if it has to go ahead, it has to go ahead."