Ben curses his luck as title hope dashed

Winning partnership….Ben Fields and Shaun Cogan

IT’S hard not to feel for Ben Fields, a man whose innate toughness is making opponents think twice.

The Digbeth light-welter and those around him are bristling with anger after claiming a pledged English title fight has gone south.

Ben certainly earned a crack at the vacant belt by demolishing heavily favoured George Hennon in one round of an eliminator two months ago.

That was the rugged 33-year-old’s 12th win in 29 contests (four draws) and possibly the most spectacular of a career that has seen him given no favours and fight away from home against prospects.

He turned over in 2018 and many believed life as a journeyman beckoned.

Yet, under respected coach Shaun Cogan – and the man has to be given credit – Ben has caused a string of upsets, claimed a Midlands title and featured on major bills.

He possesses an incredible engine, sound chin and is a tough as boot leather. In short, Fields is thoroughly bad news for Britain’s band of up-and-comers. Just ask Hennon, 9-1 before facing Ben at York Hall, Bethnal Green.

Understandably, Fields was looking for a big fight reward after destroying Hennon. It appears, however, that performance was dramatic enough to make opponents wary.

Cogan said: “We had a promise Ben would get the English (title fight) next and nothing has happened. Instead, two others are fighting for it.

“That promise was made when they didn’t think Ben would beat Hennon.

“It’s frustrating, but we’ve just got to look for the next opportunity. We’ve been offered silly, little fights which we’re not going to take. Beating Hennon put Ben in a good position – we’re not going to risk that against a 7-0 kid in Scotland.”

Fields’ manager, Jon Pegg, said: “Ben Fields is one of those hard men who gets given nothing and has to really work for everything they get. That’s the unfair side of boxing.

“He’s staying in the gym and making sure that when the opportunity arrives – a late pull-out or something like that – he’s ready.”

That’s something you can be sure of. Ben Fields, one of the game’s true warriors, is always ready.