Third title test is no gamble for Steven Pearce

The former Midlands and International Masters welterweight champion has been paired with Sheffield's Ryan Hardy on the Saturday March 1 card.

The show has been sponsored by the Grosvenor Casino, on Bentley Mill Way in Walsall, where Pearce paid a visit over the weekend to unwind from his tough training camp.

The 29-year-old has rebuilt his career since losing his area belt to fellow Stourbridge combatant Sam Eggington last May, after a compelling seven-round war.

'Fierce Pearce' left Stafford's Rob Hunt counted out in the fifth round of their battle for the International belt at the Town Hall in November, with a crippling right hook to the sternum.

And the West Midlander insists nothing will be left to chance as he looks to hit the jackpot with a third title as a professional, whatever co-challenger Hardy brings to the table.

Pearce said: "I am at that stage of my boxing career where I want to be fighting for titles. It gives me the motivation to keep training and working hard.

"I want to add the British Masters title to my list and keep pushing forward. Hardy is a decent kid. I will treat him with respect, but I am feeling good and my camp is going very well.

"I have been in with a few good kids and I think the improvements are there for all to see."

Hardy insists he's in it to win it and bounce back from his first defeat last time out, after starting out with six straight wins as a professional.

Undefeated Nathan Dale, who has held the title he now boxes for, had the 27-year-old's number last November and he is gambling on getting back on track with a contest against Pearce.

Hardy said: "I learned a lot from that fight though but, since I lost, a few people have written me off. This is a great opportunity to win a belt. I want to show that that defeat was just a one-off.

"This is my biggest fight so far and I don't mind going on the road to win a title. I enjoy going into someone's back yard and having his fans boo me.

"It spurs me on I will have a few fans of my own there, too, so there will be a great atmosphere in the Town Hall.

"Like any fighter who is ambitious, I don't want to be going out there and losing two fights in a row. If you get a few defeats on your record, you can soon become labeled as a journey man.

"That's not what I am in boxing for. I'm in it to win things and I will show that against Pearce."

The Grosvenor Casino will be staging a fun casino at the show, with games such as roulette and black jack. All proceeds will benefit the between the Carers Trust and Amphion Boxing Club.

Tickets, priced at £30 and £60 ringside, are available from the Town Hall Box Office on 0845 111 2900. The after-show party is at the Pitch Sports Bar and Grill on Bridge Street in Walsall.