Grant Cunningham on the ball at Stoke City
Stafford's Grant Cunningham feels on the ball as he prepares for his first title shot in Cannock.
Stoke City fan Cunningham visited the Britannia Stadium to be interviewed for the Premier League club's match programme, as the Potters wished him well.
He said: "I have always followed Stoke's results, as all Stafford lads do. It's great to have the county's biggest team behind me."
The undefeated super middleweight from Moss Pit, 30, goes in with Telford's Kieron Gray for the British Masters Bronze crown at the Chase Leisure Centre a week on Saturday.
It's down to 'Maximus' to boot the hopes that veteran Gray has of claiming the belt for a second time into touch, as the Staffordshire stylist steps up to eight rounds for the first time.
'Slammer' is an old rival since their days as amateurs on the same circuit and, despite their friendship, Cunningham will take pleasure should he take his winning streak into double figures.
He said: "Training has been going great. I have enjoyed the camp and made a few adjustments.
"I have been doing a lot of strength and conditioning for this fight. My trainers at the Fight Factory in Stoke have also made some exciting adjustments to my style, which we are spending a lot time working on.
"I've been doing lots of technical sparring with lads like Kieran McLaren and Rob Hunt. They are both a couple of weights below me. which has kept me really sharp as we get comfortable with the adjustments we have made.
"I'm ready for this one. Kieran is a tough lad, as I've said before. It's great to be fighting near to my home-town and the show is getting a lot of interest, which is exciting. I can't wait now."
It's a family affair on the under-card as cousins Josh and Kieran McLaren both feature, the latter making his professional debut.
Josh is managed by Frank Warren and has eased to four straight wins at welterweight, while Kieran turns over at light welter.
Another pair of Stoke fighters are on the bill in British Silver Masters lightweight champion Andy Keates and super middleweight Mark Till. Chester's Nathan Clarke also features at light welter.
Tickets, priced at £30 and £50 ringside, are available by calling 07891 263 167.
