Luke Paddock faces a new foe for title test
Bloxwich's Luke Paddock today insisted there will be no excuses for defeat despite a late change of opponent for his title fight at Walsall Town Hall.
Stoke's Kevin Hanks has pulled out of Saturday night's British Masters Bronze light welterweight battle for the belt, after having a cyst removed.
Gloucester's Andy Harris steps in at short notice but his 22-year-old opponent, competing in just his sixth professional fight, is not for turning.
Paddock said: "Training has gone really well. There can be no excuses as to why I shouldn't be performing and lifting the title come Saturday night.
"I've had a good eight weeks and, apart from a cold early in the camp, I have been injury free and feeling great. I have had some great sparring, too.
"Obviously the change of opponent isn't ideal, but I have done all my training and I am ready to go."
Halesowen's Lennox Clarke could make it a hat-trick of victories at super middleweight when he takes on Rotherham's Shaun Law, a debutant.
The former white collar boxer, who has no amateur experience, is a feared puncher and expects raw opposition that has come from the same path.
Clarke said: "Law is a lot like me, I suppose. He's turning over from the white collar stuff and trying his hand at the pro game. He's an unknown quantity.
"When I was fighting white collar myself, you never knew who you were coming up against. I won all seven of those fights by knock-out, so I am not fazed by him.
"He may be like I was when I first turned pro, but that's fine. I'm a better fighter now anyway."
West Bromwich's Tom Stokes has vowed to hunt down Liam Griffiths on the card, as he looks to record his fourth straight victory in the paid ranks.
The 19-year-old welterweight has trawled cyber-space researching his ring rival and believes his tactics will be spot on come fight night.
He said: "I have seen a bit of Griffiths on the internet. He seems like a bit of a 'runner,' so I will have to hunt him down.
"I have already been in with a couple of experienced, awkward fighters, so I have got my game plan."
Tickets, priced at £30 and £60 ringside, are available from the Town Hall Box Office on 0845 111 2900 and on the door when the event takes place.
The after-show party is at the Pitch Sports Bar and Grill on Bridge Street in Walsall.
