Thin margins for Manny Zaber's title test

'Pac Man' contests the vacant British Challenge super featherweight crown with the worldly wise Josh Baillie this weekend,

He gets a shot at glory against the game Baillie in an eight-rounder, on Errol Johnson's Black Country Boxing show titled 'Going For Gold.'

Undefeated Zaber, from Old Hill, has eight paid victories under his belt without reply, even if he is still awaiting his first inside-the-distance.

The 21-year-old was also nominated for the Best Newcomer award at the British Boxing Board of Control Midlands area's annual awards.

Potential must now be fulfilled if he's serious about this being the first of many belts at his title weight of super feather.

He came in well below the 9st 4lb limit and looked slender as he tipped the scales at 9st 1lb 14oz today, during the weight in at show sponsors the Grosvenor Casino Walsall. Baillie was 9st 4lb 14oz.

Zaber said: "You just know within yourself that you are ready to make that step. I know that I am good enough and I have enough about me to go for the title.

"I always wanted to make this step up and I feel as good as ever, so I thought I may as well go for it now. I want to be challenged.

"I know in my career I will be in even tougher fights than this, so the sooner I can start having difficult ones the better.

"It is my first fight down at super featherweight, so I have changed up my preparation because of that. I have been doing more running and getting the hill runs and sprints in.

"I feel fine at this weight. I've had an excellent training camp and we have been mixing it up with strength training and sparring, too, so I am in great shape and really looking forward to it.

"I know that I definitely have the stamina to last eight rounds, it's just about experience and pacing yourself correctly.

"I've had to make sure I am fit enough to do it, because you need to be at your best in every round. I have done that and I know I will be able to last the whole fight."

He will come across a stubborn adversary in Baillie who, despite only taking part in seven pro contests, has boxed far and wide.

'The Boss' travelled to Australia for his first three fights, winning two with a debut TKO. Only future national champion Miles Zalewski got the better of him, on points.

Baillie then went to China to take on Can Xu, losing a narrow points call to a man who is now a WBA Oceania and International titlist.

The 31-year-old, born in Barrow-on-Furness but living in Tamworth, then returned to our shores for another three bouts.

He's outpointed Qasim Hussain and Alex Hughes, falling to his only stoppage defeat in the third to Lee Appleyard in-between.

He's the sort of scalp Zaber will need if he's going to get his contest with planned rival Les Byfield off the ground, or to be considered for an opportunity at Midlands super feather champion Paul Holt.

Zaber said: "I do view this belt as a stepping stone to other titles, but that doesn't mean I will be overlooking this. It's massive for me and a big step and I will need to be at my best to get the victory.

"I do want to get bigger shots in the future, but I want to take each fight as it comes and make sure I keep focused.

"I am really looking forward to fighting for my first title. It should be a great night and I can't wait to get that belt. I don't want to let anyone down."

Four other support contests will support the main event, with Walsall's Martin Gethin and Zach Parker featuring in six-rounders.

Former Midlands, English and British lightweight boss Gethin resumes his campaign at super lightweight, against former English title challenger Liam Richards.

Parker, who was named Best Newcomer at the British Boxing Board of Control Midlands area annual awards, now takes on the never-stopped Adam Jones.

Wolverhampton's Joshua Burke will be looking to move into position for the vacant Midlands cruiserweight title, with another win in one of three four-rounders.

West Bromwich's Thomas Loach undertakes his second outing, after beating Ali Wyatt at the same venue on his debut in September. He takes on debutant Jerral Spencer.

Chasetown's Luke Jones is targeting a hat-trick of pro wins with his first Town Hall appearance, at the expense of Northern Irishman Alec Bazza.

Tickets, priced at £30 and £60 ringside, are on still sale from the Town Hall Box Office on 0845 111 2900 and will be available for purchase on the door.

The casino, on Bentley Mill Way, will host the weigh-in and after-show party (over 18s). A number of free cars from Yellow Taxis will go from the fight venue to the function.