Next boxing show in Dudley takes shape

The Venue once again hosts the paid pugilists on Friday November 4, with fireworks expected on the evening before Bonfire Night.

A seven-bout card will feature a host of Black Country prospects at the fight arena, which is situated on the High Street.

Six-rounders feature Tipton's Ricky Summers and Redditch's Andrew Robinson, both graduates of Lions Boxing Club in Dudley, and hometown hero Les Byfield.

Summers will be back in action after exactly seven months out of the ring, with his last bout coming under the lights of the Venue.

He outpointed gatekeeper Carl Wild in a coming-of-age fight to claim a British Challenge title, but hasn't boxed since.

The light heavyweight, 29, retains a flawless record of 11 straight victories, though, with four inside-the-distance and could soon be knocking on the door for national honours again.

'Digger' will be taking on Chris Nixon, 30, a regular competitor keen to level his pro record up when matched. He currently sits on six wins (one stoppage) and seven losses (three TKOs).

Robinson will be looking to get back to winning ways, after a narrow defeat to Sam Sheedy in a British middleweight title eliminator.

'D'Animal' ended up on the wrong side of a split decision to Sheedy in July, in what was his 20th pro contest. He's only ever lost to Sheedy and Frank Buglioni, both on points.

All three judges in the Sheedy contest had just a round in it, with two going for the victor in his home county of Yorkshire.

Robinson, 31, is coming again and will be keeping a keen eye on rivals Sheedy and Langford, when they co-challenge for the vacant Lonsdale belt on October 22.

The come-forward warrior, who is trained by John Costello, has removed a third of the 18 opponents he has defeated inside the distance. Now comes the never-stopped Adam Jones.

Byfield, from Netherton, boxes his seventh pro bout looking for his sixth win stepping up from four rounds for the first time.

Home advantage again comes the way of the 29-year-old, who may drop down to featherweight should title opportunities arise.

'The Minefield' has adapted since progressing from the unlicensed game.

He's now making a name for himself as a popular ticket-seller and back-foot operator.

His first test at the longer distance will be against the experienced Harvey Hemsley, who has taken Midlanders Ashley Lane, Paul Holt, Sean Davis and Charlie Williams the distance.

Also matched is Brummie Kane Baker, from Bartley Green, who takes on the most experienced professional in the country.

In the other corner for Baker's second pro bout at super lightweight is Kristian Laight who, the next time he steps through the ropes, will be competing in his 250th pro contest.

Game 26-year-old Baker took on hard-man Dan Carr on his debut, at PJ Promotions' last show at Play Football in his home city, in July and prevailed on points.

Three other prospects also feature on the bill including Rowley Regis' Tyler Denny, who is the only Black Country prospect yet to be paired.

The left-handed middleweight, 25, has somehow recorded two draws in a row against Simone Lucas and Christian Hoskin-Gomez, but remains unbeaten after five outings.

There's also a PJ Promotions bow for Telford's Tony Jones, who boxes in the Black Country for the first time in his seventh pro affair.

The 25-year-old super lightweight, who is managed by Kellie Maloney, finished all square against Irwin Magno last time out but, like Denny, is still undefeated.

'Blaze' had reeled off a series of points success prior to that with a maiden stoppage, in the first round against Dean Evans of his second test.

Another new face to PJ Promotions' events is busy welterweight CJ Challenger, from Leicester, who has been likened to British champion Tyrone Nurse.

Challenger, first names Courtney Jerome, first punched for pay with a points verdict over grizzled former Midlands titlist Kevin McCauley last month.

The 21-year-old, who is led by Jason McClory, is a distant relative of former professional high jumper Ben Challenger and Showaddywaddy drummer Romeo Challenger.

Opponents for Denny, Jones and Challenger will be confirmed when agreed with them and their camps, with announcements expected in due course.

Tickets, priced at £35 and £50 ringside, are available now from promoter Paul 'PJ' Rowson on 07976 283 157.