Steven Pearce wants to impress Ricky Hatton
Stourbridge's Steven Pearce will be going all out to impress one of his childhood heroes when Ricky Hatton is at Walsall Football Club on Saturday night.
Pearce tops the bill where three of Hatton's fighters appear on the card, with 'the Hitman' working the corner as their coach,
Wednesbury's Sam Evans and Rueben Arrowsmith debut on the show, with the unbeaten Anthony Upton also added to the line-up in a eight-rounder.
'Fierce Pearce' grew up admiring the two-weight world champion's accomplishments in the ring and adopted the same body punching style his idol made famous.
It's the last tune-up test for the 30-year-old, before he challenges Adam Little for the English welterweight title in Blackpool on December 12.
The former Midlands champion takes on Lithuanian Arvydas Trizno over six, who will be taking part in his 69th paid contest at the age of just 26.
Pearce said: "I'm really excited. Ricky Hatton is one of my boxing heroes. I watched all of his fights when I was younger.
"I always admired his style and spirit. He was a fantastic boxer but, more than that, he had a massive heart.
"I can relate to that. I understand he'll be ringside on the night, so it's a dream come true to be headlining a show that he will be at. This is an important fight for me.
"Training has gone well for this one and I'm looking to put on a show for Ricky and make a statement to Adam Little, too."
Old Hill's Manny Zaber, Walsall's Christopher Keane, Kieron McLaren and new Midlands light welterweight champion Andy Keates complete the card.
Tickets, priced at £30 and £60 ringside, are available by calling the Walsall FC Box Office on 01922 651 414-416 or 07875 653 842.
