Ring smarts the key to English title fight

The two light welterweights will go toe-to-toe in a 10-rounder for Hughes' English strap at Walsall Town Hall,

They tipped the scales yesterday at event sponsors Makoto Bar in Bridge Street, who will also host the show's after-party this evening.

It's business first for champion Hughes, from Malmesbury in Wiltshire, who makes his first defence after claiming the vacant honours by outpointing Anthony Hardy in July.

The 25-year-old has the edge on experience having also claimed Southern and IBF International accolades over 14 paid bouts, losing just once.

Ricky Hatton's protege Upton steps up to the title distance after 11 outings, the same ring time the two-weight world champion participated in before he claimed his first belt, the Central crown.

That means nothing to Hughes, though, who said: "It doesn't make any difference in my head. At the end of the day, it isn't Ricky who is in there with me.

"I'm used to title fights now, I've been 10 rounds three times and I know what's required. Anthony, with no disrespect, hasn't done that.

"He's only been in with journeymen and this is a big jump for him. He's tricky and a switch hitter, I know, but I've boxed southpaws before. It's nothing new to me."

Hughes has worked his way back into the mix after originally turning pro with Kellie Maloney, a costly points defeat to Joe Elfidh in just his fifth fight hampering his progress.

Upton has been nurtured by Hatton to the tune of double-figure wins and has yet to even drop a round, developing a reputation as an aloof left-hander.

The 23-year-old Londoner could now shoot up the rankings, with the fight doubling up as eliminator for the British title, which has just been claimed by Tyrone Nurse.

Upton said: "To go straight for an English title is a big opportunity and it's one I intend to grab with both hands.

"It's great to have Ricky in my corner and to have the benefit of his experiences, but I agree that he can't win the fight for me.

"It's game on tonight and I plan to show exactly what I can do. I'm smart when I step into that ring and I think I'm the better boxer.

"The big thing for me is to go out there and enjoy myself. It's my job and I love it."

Another Hatton charge, Wednesbury's Sam Evans, will now box at Walsall Football Club on Friday December 18 after illness ruled him out of tonight's bill.

West Bromwich's Tom Stokes will also not appear on the show, having picked up a cut on his right eyebrow in sparring. Wolverhampton's Des Bowater is a third pull-out.

There's still seven four-rounders on the under-card, with Hatton's newest addition Nathan Gorman added to the show.

The teenage heavyweight from Nantwich, a former national amateur champion and GB international, turns over just days after getting his pro licence against Jindrich Valecky.

Another late addition to the card, Burton's Leon Gower, also debuts at super feather against Swindon's Joe Beeden.

Hatton-led Reuben Arrowsmith, from Market Harborough in Leicestershire, goes up against winless London-based Italian Victor Edagha.

Super feather Jack Summers, from West Bromwich, could make it a hat-trick of paid wins when he takes on Delroy Price.

Brummie middleweight Luke Heron scored a TKO over fellow debutant Bryn Wain on his bow and now tackles Polish hard-man Robert Studinski.

Shropshire's Craig Morris has been paired with William Warburton in light middle action, while Stoke's Kieron McClaren steps in with ex-English title challenger Liam Richards at light welter.

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