Ricky Summers risks title for big break on TV

The 6ft-plus light heavyweight, who lives in Wombourne, must box his second six-rounder before he can battle for a belt at Dudley's the Venue.

The 24-year-old will get that opportunity on the televised bill at the Civic next Friday night, which is likely to be packed to the rafters with Brummie fight fans.

Birmingham's British and Commonwealth welterweight champion Frankie Gavin attempts to wrest the European crown from Italy's Leonard Bundu in the main event.

Summers goes up against Manchester's Curtis Gargano, who stepped in after scheduled opponent Mitch Mitchell pulled out for a third time.

Anything less than the 'W' on fight night and the first mark will come on the Black Country fighter's unblemished pro record after five contests.

That could put his title chances in jeopardy and leaves no room for error, but Summers is confident that won't happen.

He said: "If I got in there and was losing to novices and journeymen, I would pack boxing up the next day, but I can't see any of them troubling me.

"I was looking forward to fighting Mitchell, it hasn't happened again and you will have to ask him the reasons for that.

"All I know about this kid is that he's short, stocky and comes to fight, so I will use my height and range until I can wear him down.

"He's only had three fights, whereas I have had five and a long amateur career, boxing for England and in many national competitions.

"I made my debut at the Civic,then I knocked Joe Walsh out in a round there last year so it's a happy venue for me. The only thing that will be new is all of the cameras!"

Summers reached the semi-finals of the senior ABA competition in 2011, joining the paid ranks the following year.

His mother Shirley passing away 12 months later meant a sabbatical from the ring, but he's boxed three times since and remains ambitious.

He said: "I know I won't make it to world level, but I believe I can become a British and-or Commonwealth champion one day, just like Frankie Gavin has.

"I want to win a Midlands or Masters belt as my first title and then look towards the English, as I get more and more experience. It's baby steps for now."

For more information and tickets, call Ricky on 07427 609 377.