Paul Holt gets ready to take top billing
Birmingham's Paul Holt will be looking to prove he's a main event fighter when he takes top billing at Walsall Town Hall next month.
'The Incredible' headlines for the first time under new management after switching allegiance from Mark Wall to Errol Johnson,
The 24-year-old southpaw last participated in a bruising battle for the Midlands featherweight title against Bobby Jenkinson in June.
Holt climbed off the canvas to take his formidable opponent the distance, although he was harshly outpointed by six rounds on the cards.
That cracker could well have stolen the show at Wolverhampton Civic Hall that night, but that only formed one of three area belt battles.
Andrew Robinson's ninth round TKO of 'Prince' David Davis and Jason Welborn's controversial points win over Ryan Aston also entertained.
But Holt proved he belongs up the card and plans to keep fans on the edge of their seats, starting with a six-rounder against Joe Beeden on Saturday October 4.
And it's unfinished business with Johnson - who is staging the show through his Black Country Boxing promotion - behind the scenes, too.
Holt said: "I first met Errol when I was an amateur and was contemplating going pro. My dad, Mark, used to be a pro and won the title that I went for outright.
"He took me to Errol's gym in Wednesbury and I sparred a few of his lads to get me used to the pro style, which I was suited to anyway.
"I went to join the Royal Navy but got injured during training, so I came back to boxing. That's when I joined Mark Wall, which I probably rushed into, but things happen for a reason.
"I've spoken to a couple of managers and Errol seems like the right guy to go with. He has got his boxers best interest at heart.
"Some of his pros, the likes of Martin Gethin, Jason Welborn, Lee Glover and now Lennox Clarke, have all done well under him.
"I'm really excited about boxing at Walsall, it's been a while since I last boxed. Headlining the bill is a bonus and I can't thank Errol enough."
The under-card features Tom Stokes, who travels up to middleweight after 19 months out of the ring for four rounds against Hull's Joe Allon.
Big heavyweight Matthew Gordon is also in action with promising super feather Jack Summers, completing the trio from West Bromwich.
Gordon laboured to a points win over James Oliphant on his debut, while Summers comfortably outpointed Qasim Hussain. The latter now takes on Leeds' Russ Midgeley.
Two debutants complete the card as Wolverhampton's Leon Brown turns over at light heavy, with Brummie Luke Walker's first punch for pay comes in the light middle division.
Both have been paired with fellow debutants, Hull's Andy Neylon for Brown while Yeovil's Bryn Wain is down to face Walker.
Tickets, priced at £30 and £60 ringside, are on sale from the Town Hall Box Office on 0845 111 2900.
