Tom Stokes convinced he'll win his first title
West Bromwich's Tom Stokes is "convinced" he will claim his pro title after the helping hand he has received ahead of fight night.
He's going after the British Challenge middleweight title against Cristian Hoskin-Gomez at the Holiday Inn Queensway in Birmingham city centre tomorrow.
The eight-rounder comes against a stubborn opponent who has already held the belt in question and will be keen to do so again, writes Craig Birch.
Stokes has his '0' to protect, too, after building up a paid record of seven wins from seven but he's still looking for his first TKO against the rarely-stopped Gomez.
The Black Country prospect is fighting fit, though, with an understanding employer who knows what professional boxing entails.
Wayne Downing, also of West Bromwich, participated in 20 paid bouts himself from 2006 to 2011 and is now a partner at Oldbury-based scaffolding company Alliance.
Stokes, who also works for Alliance, used to walk the 36-year-old to the ring for his contests and is now ready to come of his age himself.
He said: I'm feeling strong and ready to go. I've had a great camp and thanks to Wayne and Alliance for all their help.
"They've sponsored me, given me some time off work and paid for my medicals and fit kit. It's been a big help.
"Cristian is a game kid who lifted this belt in his hometown, so he knows what tomorrow all is all about. I'm confident, though, and am convinced I will win this and move on to bigger things."
Downing can see potential in Stokes having been in with champions such as Curtis Woodhouse and Ahmet Patterson during his own career.
He said: "I've known Josh a long time. I helped train him as a kid and he watched my pro career with interest.
"I fought some good lads and now I've watched Tom grow as a boxer from an amateur to a real prospect in the pro game. He will go far, much further than me.
"Tom has been with us for the last six months or so. He's a hard working lad and we've sponsored him ever since he joined the company.
"It's a good way to put a little bit back into the sport and also gets our name out there."
Wednesbury's Sam Evans is also in action at the Holiday Inn with the welterweight, who is trained by boxing legend Ricky Hatton, engaging in a six-rounder with Avrydas Trizno.
Former Team GB amateur Ekou Essuman tries his luck with Andrej Capur over four, while there will be an after-dinner speech from two-weight WBO world champion Steve Collins.
Tickets for the show, promoted by Errol Johnson's Black Country Boxing and titled 'Festive Fight Night,' are still available.
They are priced at £60, inclusive of a two-course meal. For more information and to buy, call 07585 906 792.
