Luke Paddock lands his Midlands title shot
Bloxwich's Luke Paddock enters the ring at the Venue in Dudley looking for the perfect tune-up after his shot at the Midlands title was confirmed.
Unbeaten Paddock will take on champion Calum Cooper, from Birmingham, for the area light welterweight crown at Wolverhampton Civic Hall on October 24.
British welterweight champion Frankie Gavin, on the same ground as his split decision loss for the European belt last month, tops the bill in an international eight-rounder.
Paddock is a fan of Brummie Gavin and is pleased to be sharing a bill, for what is a huge opportunity for the 22-year-old in his ninth professional contest, writes Craig Birch.
But first 'Cool Hand,' having already won a British Bronze Masters title must negotiate four rounds with formidable Welshman Lance Sheehan tomorrow night.
Sheehan reeled off five straight wins after turning over and is looking to arrest a slide of four defeats, two of which came to the tough Tony Pace and British title challenger Adil Anwar.
Paddock is certainly not taking the test lightly and is planning to spring into action, with no time to pace himself after his last two outings saw him go twice the distance.
He said: "I consider this is a dangerous fight, Lance is someone I rate and I didn't know I would have this title shot when I took the date.
"It's important to fly out of the blocks, I have been used to slowing the pace down but four rounds will be over before I know it now.
"I think he's a good kid and I know he's rangy so I want to set a fast pace, close the range down and start beating him to the punch."
Paddock can't help but have one eye on Cooper and his chance of Midlands glory - so defeat tonight or picking up any sort of cut or injury could have disastrous consequences.
It's likely to be safety first as the Priory Park Boxing Club product competes alongside his stable-mates, but Paddock believes he will pull through.
He said: "It's my time now, nothing is going to stop me from getting in there for the belt I want and giving it everything I have got.
"I actually probably need four tough rounds tonight where, hopefully, a good result and performance will go with it that I can take into my next fight.
"I think me and Calum will put on a great show, he's unusual for a southpaw as he just ploughs forward, whereas I like to think I am a stylish boxer. It should be interesting."
For more information, call promoter Paul 'PJ' Rowson on 07976 283 157. The Venue can be contacted on 01384 459 800. Tickets are available on the door tonight.
