Martin Gethin gets IBF ranking shot

Martin Gethin has swapped a Commonwealth title shot for the chance of becoming a world-ranked fighter on a hometown bill at Walsall Town Hall next month.

Gethin will contest the IBF International lightweight belt with Leeds' Carl Johanneson over 12 rounds in the main event on Friday September 21.

The winner will gain a place in the top 50 of the organisation's governing body and the last man to win the title, Anthony Mezaache, kicked on.

Mezaache was granted a shot at Gavin Rees' European title this year and 'the Rock,' from Wales, added the British crown to that stash in July.

Either Gethin or Johanneson would be a shoo-in for a shot at Rees and, for the Black Country boxer, it could be his toughest test to date.

Johanneson is a former WBF world champion and possesses a Lonsdale belt, through his two British title reigns at super featherweight.

The 34-year-old is the nephew of former Leeds United footballer Albert Johanneson and holds a win over WBO world champion Ricky Burns.

Gethin hoped to entice Commonwealth title holder George Ashie to the West Midlands, but the Ghanaian turned it down over personal terms.

The big title fight is supported by four fighters on the undercard from the area, with Stourbridge's Steven Pearce stepping up to a six-rounder.

'Fierce' Pearce is waiting on an opponent and the 27-year-old light welterweight is building up a reputation as a sharp body puncher.

Joining him is Stafford's Grant Cunningham with the undefeated middleweight pitted against Jamie Boness, who has five wins on his record.

Dudley's Dean Anderson is also in action against Slovakian Elemir Rafael, with the exciting featherweight on the rise after three fights unbeaten.

Brierley Hill's Kyle Spencer is a stable-mate of Pierce's at Shaun Cooper's gym as the welterweight takes in his third fight since turning pro.

Completing the card is West Bromwich's Adam Corbett, an imposing and unbeaten light heavyweight who will square up to the slippery Jody Meikle.

For more information and tickets to the show, call 07737 271 416 or the box office on 0845 111 2900.