Friends are foes again in a battle for the belt

Stafford's Grant Cunningham and Telford's Kieron Gray will again step through the ropes tomorrow night, with far greater experience and a big prize on offer.

Cunningham's first professional title shot comes at a belt Gray has held before, with the Chase Leisure in Cannock the back drop of their battle for the belt.

Both were competing in just their fifth amateur bout the last time they swapped leather, Cunningham boxing for Stafford Town ABC while Gray was representing Telford ABC.

It took place on neutral ground at Lea Hall in Rugeley, Gray recalling it as "a pretty crap fight" even though he emerged the victor of an outing Cunningham can barely remember.

You are likely to see two far more polished combatants in action this time, with 'Maximus' going on to have a stellar unpaid career while Gray only ever boxed nine times as an amateur.

Cunningham said: "That we have met before is almost irrelevant now, we were just kids then, but you always have a mutual respect for fighters you have been in the ring with.

"Away from all that, he's a sound guy. There's no animosity between us, we were even standing there and chatting before we weighed in yesterday.

"It's just sport, someone has to win and someone has to lose. You won't hear trash talk from me, it's not my style."

Gray added: "What a mess the first time was, I won but that was hardly anything to shout about, as we were both still really raw.

"We have both come a long away since then and I know we will put on a better show this time."

In the pro game, it's 'Slammer' who has the more ring craft. Six years the senior of Cunningham, the 36-year-old from Horsehay in Telford will undertake his 40th pro contest tonight.

Gray has already laid his hands on the belt, stunning Jake Dyer with a points win by three rounds in February and really showing what he can do when he puts his mind to it.

The 36-year-old has also competed in losing efforts for the same title and for the International Masters Bronze crown down at middleweight.

His experience in the prize ring is not to be taken lightly, particularly after holding Jamie Ball to a draw after the full 10 rounds for the Midlands light middleweight strap in 2010.

With three fights and a holiday to come over the next month, there will be times when the veteran comes to fight and pick up his wages. This will not be one of those instances.

No one really gave him a chance of becoming a champion the first time and, with a fifth tilt coming along tonight, it could well be his last chance to do the same again.

He said: "I will be coming to win this, you can be sure, and I am convinced I will do just that. I am feeling good, I have had a proper training camp and I am very confident.

"He's an up-and-coming fighter, while I am coming towards the end of my career, but I am mentally more stable so it makes sense for me to put it on him.

"He's a good boxer, I know that, but he's been looked after so he won't have faced anyone like me. And this won't be the home fight for him that everyone thinks it's going to be.

"I made my debut in 2008 and sold 100 tickets for that fight. Tomorrow night, there will be 70-80 people there cheering for me and I haven't had that since then.

"I wouldn't bother asking them to come and support me if I had any intention of losing."

A cool customer, nothing much rattles Cunningham, who is looking to make it 10 straight wins and pick up his first crown, despite spending 14 months out through work commitments.

The Stafford stylist from Moss Pit hasn't had any wars in the ring yet, which could work against him or make him just that little bit too fresh for a road warrior.

He's been six rounds twice and has upped his fitness regime for this one, so isn't worried he will be a fish out of water when he enters the prize ring.

He said: "I have been plugging away for a while, I know if I win this doors will open.

"What will be, will be, I only ever take each fight as it comes and I want to enjoy this. I don't plan on giving anything away.

"I know I have the ability to control the fight. This is a great opportunity and I want to grab it with both hands tomorrow night.

"I am good to go, I don't get nervous and I just can't wait to get in there."