Saddlers are backing Martin Gethin

Martin Gethin will be able to count on the support of Walsall football star Richard Taundry for his hometown showdown next week.

Saddlers defender Taundry will be ringside when Gethin faces formidable Scotsman Stuart Green in the main event at Walsall Town Hall.

A win for the two-time English lightweight champion next Saturday night would take him one step closer to bringing a British title back to the town.

The first time Gethin won a national crown, he was paraded on the pitch at the Banks's Stadium for Walsall's League One game with Carlisle.

The Saddlers won that game 2-1 on 27 September 2008 with lifelong fan Gethin in the stands, coming from a family of supporters.

The 28-year-old used to join his boxing brothers, Darren and Steve, on the terraces at the old Fellows Park with their Dad Graham.

But the boot will be on the other foot in the not-too-distant when his son Kane, nearly two years old, is ready to go to a match.

Gethin said: "I have followed Walsall since - well, since I can remember - my Dad was a fan and he took me and my brothers a few times.

"It's something new when you are a kid and I hope to take my lad soon, when he gets a bit older.

"The missus is trying to get him to be a Villa fan, but I am going to buy him a Walsall strip for next season!"

His in-ring ambition's have long centered around the British title and that very belt changed hands two weeks ago.

Derry Mathews brutalised Anthony Crolla in six rounds, having floored and cut the champion before taking his belt.

Gethin watched live on Sky Sports back at home in the West Midlands, as Mathews became his No 1 target.

Both fighters that night had campaigned for most of their careers at super featherweight, which told on Crolla.

And, as a natural lightweight, Gethin believes Mathews would get 'Crolla-ed' if their paths ever crossed.

He said: "I still feel I would have the better of Mathews, I reckon I would do to him what he did to Crolla.

"If you put a lot of pressure on him, with the amount of times he's been banged out, he could crack.

"Believe me, I would be on him all of the time."

Tickets for the boxing show are available from Walsall Town Hall or by calling the box office on 0845 111 2900.