A case of deja vu in Brum for Lennox Clarke
Halesowen's Lennox Clarke will experience a case of deja vu when he finally gets his hands on Didier Blanch at the Holiday Inn in Birmingham on Thursday.
The big-hitting super middleweight was supposed to tackle the Congo-born Geordie on his professional debut, but James Childs came in at late notice.
Despite the switch, which also left him facing a southpaw, Clarke took two rounds to blow away the never-stopped Child, who had beat Blanch on points in his previous outing.
That result has given Clarke the confidence he will do a real number on Blanche, having trained twice as hard with the opponent in mind.
The 22-year-old said: "I did all of my training for my debut as if I was fighting Blanch. To be honest, Child was a bit of a curve ball.
"He is a southpaw and all my sparring had been against orthodox opponents, as that's what Blanch is. I have seen him in action.
"He fought Jordan Clayton in Wolverhampton when I went to watch my mate Ricky Summers there. He's a slippery fighter who ducks and moves.
"He lost on points to Child last time he fought and I knocked him out in two so I'm, obviously, confident of getting another win.
"I have known about him for a while now, which has meant my training camp for this one has been spot on."
Clarke has burst onto the professional scene after bypassing the amateur ranks completely, but what he lacks in experience has been made up for by sheer punch power.
He said: "Making my professional debut was a great feeling. I was nervous beforehand, wondering what to expect, but it went really well.
"I had seven white collar fights and knocked out everyone I fought, but I didn't know what to expect against a fellow professional.
"Child is a decent lad but I hurt him with my power, so that gives me real confidence. I'm a novice to the sport. I've only been boxing for a couple of years, so I'm learning all of the time."
In the main event, Rowley Regis' Jason Welborn goes up against hometown champion Terry Carruthers for the Midlands light middleweight title.
Brummies Craig Cunningham and Michael Rooney compete at middle and light welter respectively on the rest of the under-card.
Tickets are still available, priced at £60 with a three-course meal of £30 for unreserved standard seating, by calling 07540 990 166 or 07450 458 293.
