Sam Evans paired for Walsall FC bout

The Ricky Hatton-trained light welterweight will step through the ropes for a four-rounder in the Stadium Suite at the Banks's,

Little has been confirmed as his opponent, with the 30-year-old taking part in his 21st pro outing having failed to go the distance just twice.

Evans turned over with a fourth round stoppage of Zaurs Sadihovs, swarming over the Latvian with punches to the body to force the finish.

Hatton's influence on his training was clear to see and the 'Hitman' will again be in his corner, at the venue where he scored his debut TKO.

The 19-year-old was due to box at Walsall Town Hall, but illness forced him to postpone his next bout to the last West Midlands show of the year.

Light middleweight Reuben Arrowsmith, from Market Harborough in the East Midlands, is another from Hatton's stable to appear on the card.

Evans said: "I was gutted not to fight last time, but I'm glad my team got me another date before Christmas and I can't wait to get in the ring and do some damage.

"My debut went exactly how I wanted it to and I think I can knock out my next opponent, as well. There's going to be fireworks again.

"I think people compare me to Ricky, because I like to come forward and throw shots to the body like he used to. I'm happy they think that, but I've still got a lot to learn.

"He teaches me new things in the gym every day and if I can go on to achieve half of what he did, then I'm going to have a great career."

The Black Country teenager, a graduate of Wednesbury Boxing Club, lives in Greater Manchester during the week to train at Hatton's gym full-time.

Arrowsmith, Evans and Conor Benn - son of another former world champion and ring great in Nigel - share a house together in Hyde.

The trio are regular sparring partners, with Evans adding: "It's always a war, so getting in the ring and fighting these journeymen types is the easy bit for me.

"Those sessions get me ready for whoever is put in front of me."

Also in the line-up is Halesowen's Lennox Clarke, the undefeated middleweight boxing for the first time in nine months against Mitch Mitchell.

Top of the bill is a comeback fight for Luke Paddock, who returns to the scene where he lost the Midlands light welterweight title to Andy Keates.

'Cool Hand,' from Bloxwich, could pick up a British Challenge belt if he can see off live-wire co-challenger Chris Adaway in an eight-rounder.

Tickets, which include a three-course meal, are £60. Comedian Hale and a Christmas Boxing Memorabilia Auction will also feature on the night.

For more information, call the Walsall FC ticket office on 01922 651 414-416 or 07881 376 512.