Martin Gethin goes back to his roots

Walsall's Martin Gethin has gone back to his roots to help him prepare for his world-ranked hometown rumble with Carl Johanneson next week.

A place in the IBF's top 50 and the organisation's International lightweight title will be up-for-grabs when Gethin goes up against Leeds' Johanneson.

Months of hard work have led to next Friday's fight night at Walsall Town Hall but Gethin has spent most of that time training at his amateur club.

Wild Star ABC, based in Unit 6 on the Middlemore Business Park in Aldridge, has been the focus for the 28-year-old since the turn of the year.

Brothers Darren, Steve and Rob Gethin have made it a family affair on the coaching staff and all have been lacing on gloves for most of their lives.

Darren, Steve and Rob all boxed for Walsall Wood ABC before moving on to Wednesbury ABC, where Martin had his first fight after turning 11.

Three of them turned pro and Darren won a Midlands title at welterweight, while Martin has twice been the English lightweight champion.

He said: "I wanted to set my own gym up and I enjoy it. The more kids we can get into the gym and off the streets, the better.

"Our Darren was the first of us brothers to take up boxing and Steve, Rob and then myself all followed.

"I was the only one that didn't box for Walsall Wood, I was too young, but we all went to Wednesbury.

"I had my first fight the day after my 11th birthday and never looked back, that's what the sport can do for you."

Johanneson -the nephew of former Leeds United footballer Albert - could be Gethin's toughest test to date.

The 34-year-old is a former WBF world title holder and possesses a Lonsdale belt, through two British title reigns.

'Ingemar' holds a win over WBO world champion Ricky Burns and is a feared puncher, with 20 stoppages in 32 wins.

But the bulk of Johanneson's ring time has come at super featherweight and Gethin is looking to make size count.

He said: "Carl just comes forward, looks for the bombs and tries to knock you out, but I can take his best shot if I have to.

"Even if I get caught clean, I have got a tight guard, I can get in and out and I hit harder than he does, anyway.

"I can't see anything else than me winning, if I can take his power and keep popping the jab out it will be my night.

"He doesn't give up, but I don't either!"

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