Ben gets the big title test he has craved

Ben Vaughan…fights for Midlands welter belt. Pic: MSN Images/BCB

BEN Vaughan has been chasing a proper test, and he will get one when he faces Liam Gould for the Midlands Welterweight title, writes PAUL WEBB.

The pair clash on BCB Promotions Collision Course bill at Eastside Rooms, Birmingham, on April 12.

The Northampton 24-year-old is unbeaten in eight and last boxed in February against the durable centurion Dale Arrowsmith, winning on points.

He was relentless that night, throwing heavy combinations from his southpaw stance and working at a very high pace throughout. The six rounds showed he was beyond those kinds of contests.

The welterweight title was last contested in February and won by James Scarrott, but he decided to quickly vacate to pursue new opportunities.

“After my last fight, I said I wanted something to get excited about,” said Vaughan, “and a Midlands title shot against an unbeaten opponent is exactly what I had in mind. Everything has been coming together in the last few months and I put in a good performance against Dale.

Gould is also unbeaten and picked up his first career knockout the night before Vaughan's clash with Arrowsmith. He also hasn’t lost a single round in his six contests.

Vaughan said: “I haven’t sparred Liam or seen him up close like that, but I did watch his last fight when he knocked out Shane Smit, and I know it will be a proper fight. There is no bad blood or any of that. We will both do our talking in the ring on the night.”

Vaughan, like so many from boxers from Northampton, trains out of the Shoe-Box Gym under experienced trainer James Conway. He and his team both believe the longer championship distance will better suit their style.

Vaughan said: “My preparation has been the same as usual, working hard, and I have gone from one camp straight into another to make sure I am as ready as I can be.

“Ten rounds will be better for me - the short distances don’t give you time to grind down and get stuck in. This year feels like the time where I will push on to the next step, and it starts with me winning my first belt on April 12.”

*Tickets for Collision Course are now available, priced £40 standard, £80 ringside VIP, from the boxers directly or by emailing info@bcb-promotions.com.