Chris Male vows to deliver English title to Dudley

'The Male Man' tackles Leeds' Josh Warrington over 10 rounds for the vacant featherweight crown next Friday night with both unbeaten.

The belt hasn't been contested for six years and Male has seen three title fights fall through but his night appears to be ready to come.

The 30-year-old has chased his shot for the last 18 months and has been out of the ring for 14 months, through injury and inactivity.

But Male feels he's still fighting fit and ready for the biggest fight of his four-year pro career, which has yielded 11 straight victories.

He said: "I feel the best I have felt, my fitness has just gone through the roof. My speed, sharpness and power are perfectly on schedule.

"I have just got to hold it all now so, on fight night, I will be ready to go. Once the first bell goes, all of that frustration will go away.

"That's where I want to be, it's been a nightmare to get here and that belt has been all I have been thinking about for over 12 months.

"I will be a dangerous man, I have got to go out there and deliver. He's unbeaten, but put me in a pressure position and I will deliver.

"I feel fighters perform at their best when they are challenged and I know nothing less than my best will be good enough on the night.

"I will be at my best and I can't afford to lose this fight, so I will win."

Male twice lined up meetings with Joe Murray for the English title and was willing to box away from home each time in Newport and Bolton.

The whole bill was called off the first time against Murray last November and, the second time around in February, Male pulled out injured.

After recovering from a torn rotator cuff, a match with Jon Fernandes was booked for last month but was scrapped due to poor ticket sales.

Male said: "It's kind of ironic that the fight has ended up in Dudley, really it has worked out the best for me. It's the biggest fight around here for years.

"If I can bring this English title to Dudley, it would give the whole area a boost. The boxing world might start looking here then."

Male's stable-mate Jamie Ball, both trained by Dudley's Shaun Cooper at Coops Boxing Camp in Brierley Hill, retired this week with a back injury.

Coseley's Ball hung up his gloves while still the Midlands light middleweight champion and the Midlands Area Council's Best Young Boxer for 2011.

Male was nominated for the same award but he's the one that will get the chance at national glory and he wants to do it for his fighting friend.

He said: "I have had my fair share of injuries and I know how he feels, I was there when he injured himself and my heart goes out to the kid.

"He's one of the people I will be dedicating this fight to."

Tickets are still available and the event is a dinner show, but passes can also be purchased just to watch the boxing at £30.

For the three-course meal, tickets are £60. For more information, call the Venue on 01384 453 104 or 07964 722 736.