Tom Stokes could get into seventh heaven
West Bromwich's Tom Stokes will be in seventh heaven if he can keep up his winning streak on Saturday's fight night.
The undefeated middleweight will be looking to add to his six straight wins since turning pro at Walsall Town Hall,
The 21-year-old is part of the supporting cast to the top-liner of the 'Summer Scorcher' show, promoted by Errol Johnson's Black Country Boxing.
All of his victories have come at the Town Hall, the last outing an entertaining scrap against the seasoned Luke Allon in March.
Allon tried to bully him and it backfired, taking a knee in the third round from a right hook to the body that rattled his ribcage. He survived to lose on points.
Now Stokes has been paired with Lewis van Poetsch, a busy and tough fighter who is coming up to his 50th paid contest. He currently stands on 45.
Stokes is hoping for more of the same, with a growing confidence about the meat in his gloves as he targets his first stoppage.
He said: "I'm feeling fit and focussed. I need to fight more regularly now and build my record. I had a fight in March and I felt strong.
"There's plenty of room for improvement but I know there's more to come. In my six pro fights to date, I've fought a range of opponents.
"I've had bigger guys like Kieron Gray and tricky fighters like Matt Seawright. I'm learning the game all the time and I'm gaining confidence with each fight.
"I know van Poetsch from the circuit. He's a tough, durable and game lad. He'll come for a fight and that's what I like.
"It's a good chance to showcase my power and skill. I'm confident of getting a seventh win."
Top of the bill in an eight-rounder will be Halesowen's Lennox Clarke, who will get an opportunity to make it a dozen wins without reply against Dean Gillen.
The supporting cast to the main event includes the likes of Stafford's Rob Hunt,Tipton's Lee Glover and Craig Morris, from Ludlow in Shropshire.
Stokes' West Bromwich cohort Jack Summers also features, along with Brummie pair Luke Walker and Jordan Clayton and Coventry's James Montgomery.
Tickets, priced at £30 and £60 ringside, are on still sale from the Town Hall Box Office on 0845 111 2900.
Sponsors Grosvenor Casino Walsall, Bentley Mill Way, will host the weigh-in and after-show party (over 18s). A number of free cars from Yellow Taxis will at the Town Hall to go to the casino.
