Titlists saddle up for Walsall FC's fight night

Over 400 supporters will cram into the Stadium Suite at the Banks's Stadium this evening, after the first-team have played away at Bradford City.

The lines have been crossed for battle for Clarke and Bowater, who met their opponents face-to-face for yesterday's weigh-in at the same venue, writes Craig Birch.

Halesowen's Clarke contests the British Bronze Masters super middleweight title against Wiltshire scrapper Dan Blackwell over eight rounds.

Wolverhampton's Bowater steps through the ropes for the same honours at super featherweight, going in with Leicester's Lewis Jones.

The irresistible force may meet the immovable object when puncher Clarke, the scorer of a 14-second knockout last year, tries to smash through durable hard-man Blackwell.

Clarke said: "Blackwell is a tough lad. He comes forward and will take a shot to land a shot.

"He's had a lot of fights in a short space of time and you've got to give him credit for that. He's game. He's only been stopped once in 46 fights, so he must have a decent chin.

"If I can stop him, that would be a big statement. I won't go looking for it as I respect him but if it comes, it comes.

"I've had a good camp and done over 150 tickets, so I'll have a big following tonight. I'm ready and raring to go now."

Like stable-mate Clarke, Bowater has scored six straight professional wins since turning over but, conversely, all of his bouts have gone the distance.

East Midlands rival Jones has the same paid experience and has completed the allotted time on each occasion winning, drawing and losing in equal measure.

It's an ideal opponent for 'D Bow,' who has only dropped one round on the cards, and he plans to prove that skill beats will as each look to claim their first belt.

'The Wednesfield Warrior' said: "It's the first real test for me and I know what to expect. He's a come forward fighter who is game, so I need to pick my shots and work my way in.

"I know I have got skill and I have been working on a lot of things in the gym. He's not too hard to find and that's means he won't be hard to catch, either.

"I have a game plan, which I will stick to rather than get into a brawl. I have trained for the distance and expect to do it. I just want to get in there and win now."

A number of tickets will be made available on the door tonight, costing £30. Stoke's Kieron McLaren completes the card in a four-round light welterweight contest against Matt Seawright.