Luke Paddock wants to race up the rankings

Paddock will vie for the British Challenge light welterweight title in an eight-rounder at Walsall Football Club's Stadium Suite,

The plan is to get the former Midlands titlist back among the belts and then position him to make the step up to national level as 2016 unfolds.

'Cool Hand' knows what he wants to happen but he must first overcome live-wire Adaway, who has gone for broke as a pro with mixed results.

The 22-year-old from Plymouth, an England international before turning over, boxed in Walsall for a title in just his second paid contest.

The now-defunct British Masters Bronze strap at super feather was on the line, with Adaway lasting the full eight with Tipton's Lee Glover.

Their tussle in November of last year saw Adaway just keep on coming at a bloodied Glover, despite hitting the deck three times himself.

A similarly tough path since has left the bundle of energy from Devon with a 4-9-2 pro record, all four victories over the distance having been stopped twice.

Paddock is switched on to his opponent's 'bang or be banged' mantra and has the bit between his teeth, having lost his undefeated status last time out.

The 24-year-old has demons to exorcise at the venue, too, having been defeated for his area crown by Andy Keates by one point in September.

It was 'unlucky 13' for him that night and he's determined to redress the balance, with the onus on taking command after they've touched gloves.

The two tipped the scales at the Grosvenor Casino in Walsall yesterday, Paddock coming in at a perfect 10st with Adaway now up at 9st 13lb 4oz.

Paddock said: "There's only one winner and you can bet on who that's going to be - it's me. I want to make a statement that I'm fit and firing.

"I'm in a good and happy place again and looking to get the win tomorrow. He'll come to have a go, so I've got to lay the law down early on.

"He's quick and busy, but I've got some speed and I'll be looking to take the centre of the ring quickly, then start to cut the space down on him.

"He throws a lot of leather and so do I, I'm a naturally bigger lad so I need to use that to my advantage and slow him down with the body shots.

"I'd like to see my tempo match his and, if it happens, the fight could be a cracker. He's decent, I don't class him as a journeyman.

"I've only scored one knockdown and he can be bowled over, so I'll be throwing shots from angles and see if I can pressure him into a stoppage.

"We're both good boxers, but he can be reckless and that could play into my hands. It should be interesting."

Paddock's conqueror Keates has since lost a shot at the English lightweight title to Kevin Hooper, so he will likely drop down back to area level.

A 'Battle of Stoke' with Josh McLaren - who was dropped and outpointed by Paddock for the then-vacant Midlands strap - could be in his future.

And an equally enticing all-Walsall clash is on Paddock's mind, with former British champion Martin Gethin the huge target for his opponent.

Gethin has moved to light welter and is looking for opportunities, as he approaches veteran status at age 32. He may consider it a stepping stone.

Defeating the ultra-experienced 'Quiet Man' looks a huge ask on paper, but Paddock is game on making it happen if it attracts decent prestige.

Joe Hughes still has the English light welter belt, after winning a British title eliminator at Walsall Town Hall against Ricky Hatton's charge Anthony Upton earlier this month.

But Hughes - who offered Paddock a shot at short notice in June - may vacate if his crack at British champion Tyrone Nurse is rubber-stamped.

He said: "I haven't got an 'o' to protect anymore and if you can't handle losing, don't bother taking up boxing. There will always be that risk.

"I have a little motto of 'the fear of losing is the will to win.' It's not the first time Gethin's name has cropped up and it's an exciting thought.

"It's not for me to predict what's going to happen, but Walsall would be the ultimate winner if it did ever come off. I'd love to be able to do it.

"It would be an achievement just to share a ring with a man who has been where he has. I have nothing but respect for what he has done.

"I know a lot of people in the town have come up to both of us and asked if it's possible. I will never say never."

A three-bout under-card will see two more Hatton-led fighters take part in their second pro outings, having turned over at the venue in October.

Wednesbury's Sam Evans, a TKO winner on his paid bow, will now see if he can take out the durable Danny Little over four rounds at light welter.

Light middle Reuben Arrowsmith, from Market Harborough in Leicestershire, will test his mettle against the rarely-stopped William Warburton.

Halesowen's Lennox Clarke is back in action for the first time in nine months. The undefeated super middle will tackle the strong Elvis Dube.

Some tickets are still available. For more information, call the Walsall FC office on 01922 651 414-416 or 07881 376 512.