Overlooked 'Fierce' Pearce is still smarting

The former area welterweight title holder has been overlooked for a second chance at the crown, so must keep busy on next Saturday's fight night.

'Fierce' Pearce is slated to meet Peterborough-based Latvian Eduards Krauklis, who has never been stopped, over six rounds at Walsall Town Hall, writes Craig Birch.

Seven days later, the Midlands crown will be contested at the Chase Leisure Centre in Cannock as champion Rob Hunt makes his first defence against Amir Unsworth.

Having taken out both fighters, Pearce has voiced his criticism of the contest ever since the fight was made and won't be going away quietly.

He said: "I just don't think Hunt wants a re-match. When I beat Unsworth, everyone was calling for the fight to be made.

"He'd won the title and I'd beaten Unsworth, so the natural match-up was me versus him again. He's gone for Amir, perhaps thinking it's going to be the easier option.

"He'll be in for a shock, though. I've beaten them both but Amir gave me the tougher test. To be honest, I don't care who wins, I just want to get that belt back.

"I don't have any worries. I'm going to tick over now, get my fight out of the way and see how Hunt versus Unsworth pans out. I'll be more than ready for the winner."

Hunt, Pearce and Unsworth shared April's bill at the Town Hall, for what proved the current Midlands champion's long-awaited crowning glory.

The 29-year-old from Stafford now wants to win the belt outright with two successful defences, having waited nearly nine years for his chance.

The 6ft-plus operator claimed area honours in his 26th professional contest, with arguably his best-ever performance to outpoint Sullivan Mason.

Pearce and Unsworth engaged in a blistering brawl for the British Masters Bronze belt in chief support, with the latter a bloody mess as he quit on his stool after six.

The Sleaford slugger retired in his corner with three cuts. He was hurt by his right eye, just above his eyelid and on the top of his head. Only the last was accidental.

It put Pearce firmly back in the frame for the belt he held between March and May 2013, coming in at a few days notice to halt Derby's Luke Gallear in five away from home.

He then ran into fellow Stourbridge fighter Sam Eggington, who dropped him twice before finishing him off in the seventh. Eggington is now Commonwealth champion and has a British title shot on July 18.

Pearce recalls: "I knew Sam was strong, but I didn't know how good he was back then. I don't think anybody did, as he was just a teenager.

"Fair play, though, he's a great lad and I wish him all the best. I was honoured to hold the Midlands belt and I want it again. I've beaten both Hunt and Unsworth, so I'm in the driving seat."

Midlands light welter titlist Luke Paddock, from Bloxwich, also features having had to pull out of the previous month's defence against Andy Keates with a norovirus.

A third Walsall prospect, welterweight Daniel Breeze, is on the card alongside light middleweight Craig Morris, from Ludlow in Shropshire.

German-born super middleweight Carl Dickens, from Redditch, is looking to bounce back from his first pro defeat.

Two debutants complete the card in big heavyweight Martin Gordon, from Dudley, and West Bromwich's Jack Summers, who turns over at super feather.

Infitting with Independance Day, there will be a range of American inspired food and drinks available on the night.

Tickets, priced at £30 and £60 ringside, are available from the Town Hall Box Office on 0845 111 2900.