Berry, Evans, O’Hare face an international test at the Excelsior

Nyall Berry...returns at Cannock following European title defeat

NEXT week’s Excelsior Sporting Club show is a real international affair, with the away corner occupied by fighters from Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Central America.

Make no mistake, promoter Scott Murray has had to shell out on air fare for the latest instalment of the plush, Cannock based black tie establishment.

It’s a meaty card at Scott’s Premier Suite venue next Thursday, September 26, with the return of Birmingham super-bantam Nyall Berry following his first pro loss possibly sparking the most interest.

The big punching 25-year-old looked simply unstoppable until Francesco De Rosa stalled his climb to the top with stoppage victory in June. The vacant IBF European title was on the line that night.

Nyall, who faces Honduran Jayro Duran, was devastated by that defeat – his first in 11 contests, but even the very best are beaten. Have the mental scars healed? Has he learned from the mistakes and emerged a better fighter?

We’ll find out on Thursday.

In a recent interview, Nyall told me: “A lot of people have said they’ve never seen a boxer so upset and I’m still devastated to this day, it’s all I think about. Everyone says it will make you a better fighter and I feel I have learned so much from it. I stepped up to the plate, it was a very good opponent and I need to realise I was winning.”

He added: “I always said I didn’t know how I’d react when I lost. I always said I felt like it would destroy me, but, if I’m honest, I feel the opposite.

“I’ve been back in the gym and working on everything I did wrong. I’ve never been so excited about a fight.”

Liam O'Hare...Hereford prospect gets better with each bout

There’s a Midland champ in action at the Excelsior – Hereford’s super-middleweight titleholder Liam O’Hare, possibly the region’s most rapidly improving fighter.

Liam, who trains at Birmingham’s Eastside gym and is unbeaten in eight, faces Belarus middle Dzmitry Atrokhau. If he comes through, bigger things beckon.

The 27-year-old, managed by veteran PJ Rowson, told me: “The fight is about getting me down to middle. It’s about getting the phone ringing at middle.

“I’ll go as far as my skills take me. I’m learning something new every day, every day is a school day. If I keep learning I can become a very dangerous fighter.”

Scott Murray, who consistently pulls a rabbit out of the hat for his promotions, has landed a real Emerald Isles scoop for this one.

He’s secured the service of Cork super-middle sensation Cathal Crowley who will be having his first pro contest outside Ireland. Cathal has been pitted against Iran’s Bahadur Karami.

Winning team...Cannock's own Zach Evans and Mitch Pearce

Biggest cheer of the night will undoubtedly be for Cannock’s own Zach Evans when he steps through the ropes to face v Jose Aguirre from Costa Rica.

Light-middle Zach, aged 27, is improving with every fight under trainer Mitch Pearce. Unbeaten in six, he’s certainly hitting with extra sting and a Midlands title fight cannot be too far away.

He said: “Scott’s a fantastic promoter, very enthusiastic. When I saw what he was doing at the Excelsior, I thought, ‘no way am I missing out on fighting in my hometown’. As I’m settling into the pro game, the power is developing.”