Jason Welborn v Ryan Aston - brains or brawn?
Jason Welborn reckons he will capitalise on a "confidence crisis" come fight night - but Ryan Aston argues it's his brain that will win the day.
The war of words is gathering pace, before the Black Country rivals contest Welborn's Midlands light middleweight title next month,
They will settle the score over 10 rounds in the main event at Wolverhampton Civic Hall on Saturday June 6, in one of the most eagerly anticipated 'derby' bouts for years.
There's been bad blood between them since last year, the champion from Rowley Regis taking the unusual step of calling him out, irked by comments that he "needs me more than I need him."
The two-weight area boss was still aggreived at the press call to the Rubicon Casino earlier this month, again in Wolverhampton city centre, and solemnly vowed "he won't beat me."
Aston's relative silence that day has only made Welborn believe his rival is feeling the pressure of anticipation, with the stakes high for both men.
The title holder said: "He's never been in with a champion before and he's never made the championship weight before either.
"I'm sure he will make the weight, but he has to do it properly and feel comfortable. I've done that before - and I've fought at a good level.
"I know Ryan and he doesn't believe in himself. Even though everyone slaps him on the back and tells him how great he is, he lacks confidence.
"I just hope he turns up on the night! I want to give the fans what they want - and get him out of the way. It's a big fight for both of us. If he loses to me, where's he going to go?
"I've sparred him loads of times, but that doesn't really matter. It's about who has the biggest heart in a proper fight. We will see how he copes."
Aston has refrained from verbally fighting fire with fire but is quietly confident he has the savvy to outsmart Welborn, who is most regarded as a puncher.
The 24-year-old turned over to much fanfare, yet a two-round stoppage loss to Curtis Valentine for the Midlands strap at middleweight in 2012 stunted his growth.
But 'Tank' remains seasoned and strong with a top-class grounding from the amateurs, while Welborn managed just seven unpaid outings.
Aston said: "My boxing brain will win me the fight. I'm convinced of that. I've got a few more tools than he has.
"Jason has a good punch and if he gets you on the ropes, you're in danger. The plan is to stay off the ropes and control him.
"I'm ready to step up again. It's a big fight, the sort of fight I need to put a fire in my belly.
"We've sparred before, I've watched him fight and I know a lot about him. I'm sure I will get the tactics right."
The main event is just one of four Midlands title fights on the bill, while Rowley Regis' Tyler Denny and Dudley's Les Byfield also appear.
The area's light welterweight crown will be contested on the bill as champion Luke Paddock, from Bloxwich, takes on Aston's Chris Truman.
A war is expected in the evening's other title tussle, as Andrew Robinson and 'Prince' David Davis lock horns for the super middle strap.
Completing the quartet is Bobby Jenkinson's feather clash with Birmingham's Paul Holt, stepping in for Wolverhampton's Des Bowater.
For more information and tickets to the show, call the Civic box office on 0870 320 7000 or promoter Paul 'PJ' Rowson on 07976 283 157.
