Former West Brom midfielder agrees to carry belt into the ring for 'Battle of the Baggies' title fight

British champion Langford, who writes a column in the Albion programme, is defending his title against West Bromwich-born Jason Welborn in Walsall on Friday, May 4.

It’s been billed as the ‘Battle of the Baggies’ because both men are Albion fans, although that doesn’t mean it will be a friendly contest.

“There is a bit of needle there, I have no qualms saying it,” Langford told the Express & Star. “I always got on with Jay up until a year ago.

“When I lost the world title fight, he started being a bit snidey, saying the Albion should follow me.

“But he doesn’t really even follow football, he’s not a big football lover. He’s done it to get the fight, fair enough. I’m happy with that.

“I’m not going to say nobody else bar me can have the support of the Albion, it’s great to have another fighter from West Brom, but the way he went around it was a bit snidey.

“Jason listens to what his friends say too much. Things he has said have been a bit stupid, so there is needle. I’m looking forward to giving him a boxing lesson.”

Plenty of Albion fans are expected to descend on Walsall Town Hall for the fight, and Langford has got a special guest in his corner.

“I’ve managed to secure Andy Johnson to carry the belt in, which makes it that little bit more special for me,” he said.

“I was 10 or 11 when I watched AJ play, but after playing in the same all-stars team as him, he’s started to come to a few of my fights.

“I’m really happy he’s doing to do that, it just adds to the night.

“It’s the night before our last home game of the season against Spurs, but I’m hoping a few current players, those who are injured maybe, can make an appearance ringside.

And Langford added: "I just want to say a massive thank you to everybody coming to the fight, whether you're cheering on me or Jason.

"It’s set to be a great night for boxing in the Midlands and the Black Country."

You can buy tickets at www.tommylangford.co.uk