Midlands title rivals on the ball at Walsall
Midlands title rivals Luke Paddock and Andy Keates saddled up for their battle for the belt with a trip to fight venue Walsall Football Club this week.
The duo were paraded on the pitch at the Banks's Stadium during Walsall's 2-0 pre-season friendly defeat to Albion on Tuesday night,
And area light welterweight champion Paddock, making the first defence of his crown, thinks it will be a ball when the two touch gloves on Friday September 4.
He said: "It's going to be quality, to fight in my home-town is good enough but to fight at my football club is something else.
"This is not just for me, this is for the fans, so I hope everyone on the night just comes along and enjoys the show."
'Cool Hand' and his opponent renew rivalries from their amateur exploits, where Keates had the edge with three wins to Paddock's two in bouts between the pair.
Paddock counters by pointing out he closed him out unanimously on points in one contest, while Keates only ever nudged home past him by majority or split decision.
And the 23-year-old believes he's adapted to life in the paid ranks far better by taking the area strap that Keates, who has lost twice, so clearly covets.
Paddock has clocked up 12 wins on an unblemished pro record and is determined it won't be unlucky 13 for him.
He added: "We are familiar with each other, it will feel like 'same old' when we jump into the ring but, this time, it's going to be professional.
"I'll be all business on the night and he won't have to come looking for me, at all, so let's see if he can handle the pressure."
Tit for tat is Keates' plan, as the challenger from Stoke also plans to get in his face. He's adamant he won't allow a moment's rest for the stylish Paddock to put his moves together.
Keates said: "I like Luke, he's a nice boxer. He doesn't like pressure, though, and that's what he's going to get. I beat him as an amateur and I plan on beating him as a pro."
The title tussle headlines a four-fight bill where Old Hill's Manny Zaber, Shropshire's Craig Morris and Gloucester's Scott Gibbins Jnr also feature.
Tickets are available now priced £30 standard and £40 stage ringside by calling Luke on 07881 376 512.
