UP and coming borough boxing star Jamie Ball is preparing himself for a tough challenge when he gets back into the ring at Wolverhampton Civic Hall this Friday.

The unbeaten Dudley professional has made an impressive start to his fledgling career but when he goes head to head with Ernie Smith he is expecting a hard battle.

The Stourport journeyman’s record of 129 defeats from 137 fights might point to towards a comfortable night, but Ball knows he’s facing a dangerous opponent.

Ball said: “I’m fighting Ernie Smith and everyone knows he’s a tough fighter and that you can’t afford a lapse in concentration against him.

“He’s a different style of boxer to what I’ve fought before so I will be able to learn a lot from the fight.”

Elsewhere on the bill, unbeaten Stourbridge light-welterweight Scott Evans will be looking to make it six wins out of six when he steps into the ring.

Halesowen’s Kevin McCauley will also be in action at the Civic Hall.

Tickets can be purchased by calling promoter PJ Rowson on 07976283157.