The time is now and 'Fierce Pearce' is ready

Pearce is by the seaside to tackle undefeated national champion Adam Little over 10 rounds at the Hilton Hotel in Blackpool, writes Craig Birch.

The away fighter tipped the scales at the same venue today confident he can become the first in 15 bouts to hand the skilful titlist his first defeat.

The former Midlands champion feels he's covered all bases in sparring, which has included near neighbour Sam Eggington and Luke Paddock.

Cornering and then peppering his opponent to the head and body forms the game-plan with Little, who was born in the town, looking to put on a show in his first defence.

A first shot at the English crown could well be his last but 'Fierce Pearce,' at age 31, still feels there's plenty of avenues to explore even in defeat.

He said: "I don't feel that pressure, I may not be the youngest of the lads in the mix but, however it pans out, you will see me again in the ring.

"I'm still the mandatory challenger to the Midlands title, which Karl Wiggins has won now. I stepped aside for him, I never gave up my shot.

"I never think about losing, although I know it might happen. I think I've got chance of giving him his first defeat and I'm going there to prove it.

"I didn't have to take this fight, I could have settled for the Midlands shot but I want to take on the best that's out there, as I always have done.

"I've lost four times a pro in 15 bouts and three of them were to British title level fighters in Sam, Bradley Skeete and Glenn Foot.

"It hasn't always worked out, but I've never ducked anyone and I'll keep on fighting until my coaches tell me I've had enough.

"After this, it's Karl or Johnny Garton, who has won an English eliminator. That's as much as I've thought about my future."

The training ring has been shared with the British and Commonwealth boss at the weight in Eggington, also of Stourbridge.

The 21-year-old 'Savage' brings raw aggression and brute force, as Pearce knows only too well after losing his area crown to him by seventh round stoppage in 2013.

Bloxwich's Paddock, a former Midlands champion at light welter, has been brought in to match the style that he's likely to face on the night.

Pearce said: "I'll always go forward in a fight, I bash away with the body shots and work my way up to the head. That's my game.

"I know he's got more skills than me, but I've punched through boxers before. He can only run and move about so much in the ring.

"I'm actually a touch taller than him, so he can't keep me at range either. I've heard he's had good sparring, but mine has been top-class.

"Sam lives on the street across from me and got in touch, he wanted to help and I can't speak highly enough of the man. He's a diamond.

"He wants there to be two champions from the same area! We were mates before we fought, the same after and right up until today.

"I think he's borderline world-class now, he's taught me a few tricks he's learned from where he's got to and things I was doing wrong.

"Luke's been great, as well, his movement really is excellent and he's so hard to pin down. That's helped me prepare in another way.

"I've had Sam for strength and the close-range stuff, Luke to cut down the ring and work on the inside. I'm as ready as I'll ever be."