Jason Welborn warns James Flinn

Dudley's Jason Welborn today warned Midlands title challenger James Flinn "I don't know what either of us will do if we lose."

Welborn will put up his belt up for grabs against Coventry's Flinn at Wolverhampton Civic Hall next Friday night, live on BoxNation.

The stakes are high for both fighters - not only is the area's welterweight crown on the line, but also a potential shot at the English title.

For Welborn, it's the gateway to national honours through after snatching the belt from another Coventry fighter, Sean McKervey, in November.

For Flinn, it's the road back to a shot at the big time after he was stopped in eight rounds for the English title by Adil Anwar, also in November.

They serve as chief support bout on a televised bill at the Civic and Welborn has declared failure is not an option.

He said: "I have to keep it rolling now and the English title is what I want next, be that the new champion Lee Purdy or anyone else.

"I know what James is thinking, he's just come off the back of a loss and he thinks he will beat me and go back in for the English title.

"The problem is I am thinking the same and I don't know what either of us will do if we lose.

"But, when I have got my head right, I can't see people out there who can beat me."

The 25-year-old has given up his job as a scaffolder to concentrate on boxing full-time and is training twice a day.

Welborn turned pro in 2005 but has competed just nine times, although four of those have come in the last year.

Flinn, despite debuting in 2008, has 12 fights on his record - two that have gone the 10-round title distance - and a fine amateur background.

The 30-year-old boxed for Wales and was ranked in the top five in the country, reaching a senior ABA championship semi-final in 2002.

Welborn was the long-term sparring partner for British and Commonwealth title challenger Darren McDermott and wants to show how he 'knows the pros.'

He said: "I know James' amateur background but I have been through a lot in the pro game and it's time to show him that!

"It's a different kettle of fish, it's harder at this level. And, finally, things are starting to look up for me after all of this time.

"He's a nice style boxer and we have been working on those styles in the gym, sparring boxers rather than brawlers.

"These are the fights that I need to be testing myself, I have won the belt and these are the people who want what I have got."

For more information, call the box office on 0870 320 7000 or promoter Paul 'PJ' Rowson on 07976 283 157.

A limited number of tickets will also be available on the door on the night.