It will be survival of the fittest for Luke Paddock

Paddock goes into the lions den against Stoke's McLaren, at the Queens Theatre in Burslem, in his quest to claim the area crown,

'Cool Hand' was in the city yesterday for the weigh in at the Fight Factory gym in Longton, going face to face with his third opponent for the vacant belt.

Champion Calum Cooper retired after failing a brain scan, while late replacement Chris Truman pulled out, so Paddock didn't end up boxing for the strap at all.

The 22-year-old did get his first 10-rounder under his belt against Simas Volosinas, though, adding the International Masters crown to British Bronze honours.

He's been eight rounds twice, too, while McLaren has never been past four. Like his adversary, he an unblemished paid record with one stoppage, also on a cut, after eight contests.

McLaren has competed six times and Paddock believes that's where he fall short, with every chance the fight will go the distance.

He said: "I'm really looking forward to tonight. The fight is here. I'm fit and ready.

"You don't see undefeated fighters putting everything on the line so early in their careers. I'm willing to put my '0' on the line for this.

"I respect Josh. I'll pay him a bit of respect in that ring but not too much. I know what to do. I don't know too much about him, but that's a good thing.

"It keeps me sharp, gives me a few nerves and makes sure I'm fully focused. I'm a 10-round fighter now. Let's see if he can do that. I don't think he can.

"He's naturally a welterweight, in my opinion. He's not done the rounds that I have. The longer the fight goes on, the more confident I know I'll become.

"I've done the championship rounds. Let's see if he can."

The other corner begs to differ - McLaren believes he's "ready" for anything that can be thrown at him in the ring.

The talented 24-year-old is signed to Frank Warren's promotional company and is capable of matching Paddock for skill, with many expecting one for the purists tonight.

McLaren said: "It's a fight that has got people talking. From what I've seen of Luke, he's similar to me in that he's a good technical boxer, so I'm expecting a good technical boxing match.

"If we end up in the trenches, we end up in the trenches - I'll be ready either way. I'm ready for anything he brings to the table.

"I know a fair bit about Luke. He's a nice guy who I have a lot of time for. We were always around similar weights in the amateurs.

"I think he's a year or so younger so we never met in the junior ABAs and, at senior, I think he campaigned a weight below me.

"I've seen a few of his fights and he's doing well. He's a nice boxer, but I'm just going in to get my hand raised.

"I'm proud of myself to be fighting for a Midlands title after just six fights. I know everyone says it, but everything has gone superb in training. I'm feeling fit and strong. I'm ready to go."

Paddock has already stated he won't be daunted by giving up home advantage, with McLaren claiming he's not bothered, either.

He said: "Home advantage is nice but, if I'm honest, I don't think I need it. If I do what I'm capable of, I will win.

"It's good for boxing that we're both prepared to lose our winning records so early in our careers. You don't see it very often."

For more information about tonight's show, call 07913 861 718. Some tickets should still be available on the door.