Grant Cunningham ready for away day

Stafford's Grant Cunningham today insisted he's happy to hit the road as his professional boxing journey takes him across the Midlands.

The undefeated middleweight, from Moss Pit, travels to Burton-on-Trent on Friday night to compete at the Town Hall against Dan Blackwell.

Blackwell, from Trowbridge in Wiltshire, is the younger brother of former English champion and soon-to-be British title challenger Nick.

Cunningham moves out of his comfort zone having picked up his five straight wins in his home area on shows in Walsall and Wolverhampton.

But the 28-year-old is well-versed in fighting on the road through his days as an amateur with Stafford ABC, competing in national tournaments.

A Midlands title and a national semi-final in the ABA Novices came away from home and Cunningham believes it's part and parcel of the sport.

He said: "It doesn't bother me that much, I went all over the country as an amateur and there should be a fair few from Stafford coming.

"I don't know him anything about this lad, really, apart from that I have just got to box the way that I know that I can.

"I won't get drawn into a brawl because I know that's what he wants. If I do that, it should all go to plan."

The electrical engineer turned pro in February 2011 and has ticked along so will be looking to step up from a four to six-rounder.

His last fight in September was over in a round when Jamie Boness retired on his stool and Cunningham has stayed fight fit.

He said: "I have always wanted to be a bit more active and I seem to be getting the fights now, I am enjoying being a bit busier.

"I have had five fights, I am still unbeaten and I can't really complain about it, but I wouldn't have minded a couple more.

"My plan is certainly to be a lot busier next year."