Jason Welborn tips Joel Ryan for Midlands title

Rowley Regis' Jason Welborn turned in the belt, which he won and defended twice, when he received a shot at Frankie Gavin's British crown last month.

That ended in defeat after seven rounds but Welborn is still leaving the area scene behind, instead opting to take the long road back to a second British title shot.

It's now up to Ryan and Derby's Luke Gallear to grab the vacant strap in a 10-round contest at Burton Town Hall, in what is a great opportunity for both fighters.

Welborn trains alongside Ryan at Errol Johnson's gym, Wednesbury Boxing Academy, and has seen enough of his stable-mate to believe he will take the title.

He said: "Joel loves his boxing and he works really hard. I have sparred him a few times and he's tricky. He's got a good range and he can mix it.

"I have seen him in the gym over the past few weeks and, as always, he's been training hard. You can see how much he wants this. It's a big night for him.

"I don't know too much about Luke Gallear but it's a big night for him, too. That said, having seen Joel up close, I'm backing him to take my old title."

Welborn made his name with the Midlands title after taking just three rounds to dethrone champion Sean McKervey, from Coventry, in November 2011.

The 26-year-old then smashed through Coventry's James Flinn in five rounds, before breaking the jaw of Derby's Scott Haywood over the same distance in his second defence.

That won him the fully-sanctioned British Boxing Board of Control belt outright and it has pride of place at his home, providing memories of a great run for Welborn.

He said: "It's a good title to have. It's like the first rung on the ladder and I was really proud when the board presented me with the belt. It's a nice belt to keep.

"It was my first title and was the springboard for better things for me. I want to push on now and be in the mix for another British title shot in the future.

"Whatever happens, the Midlands title will always mean a lot to me, so I hope Joel can follow in my footsteps and win it. I will be happy if he's the next boxer to hold it."

Tickets for the Errol Johnson-promoted show in Burton are priced at £30 unreserved seating and £50 Ringside. They are available from the Town Hall Box Office on 0128 350 8547.

Doors open at 7pm, with boxing commencing at 8pm.