Fielding: I’ve still got the hunger for titles

Louis Fielding…back in action on big Coventry show next month

LOUIS Fielding – one of the Midland game’s real stalwarts – has a simple message for fans: “There’s a lot of fight left in me.”

To prove a point, the 33-year-old again takes to the ring on June 3 when he’s part of Tommy Owens’ Sports Connexion, Coventry, bill.

My interview with Fielding  - a true nice guys – was long overdue. Since turning pro in 2014, the Tamworth boxer has been a superb ambassador for boxing.

I should’ve caught up with him sooner.

He has won 10 of 18 and gained a reputation as something of a bridesmaid at area level. Three times he’s fought for the Midlands belt – at lightweight and junior-lightweight – and three times he’s come away empty handed.

Paul Holt, James Beech and Ishmael Ellis prevailed on the day.

If any fighter has earned the right to have a belt wrapped round his waist, it’s Louis.

Last month, he had his first taste of boxing on a major, televised show. It was an all too brief encounter, with Campbell Hatton ending the O2 Arena bout with a body shot after one minute 29 seconds.

“It was an experience,” Louis said, “a memory for life. I got hit by a good shot and that can happen in boxing – Campbell Hatton wouldn’t catch me with a shot like that again. But I feel I’m better for the experience.”

He enjoyed the night. He enjoyed being part of the build-up.

Fielding has suffered the kind of setbacks and defeats that would blunt many men’s ambition. He is, however, hungry, perhaps hungrier than before. The O2 Arena appearance gave him a short walk on boxing’s red carpet.

“A title, that’s the plan,” he told me during a break at Eastside gym’s Sunday morning training session. “You have to stay ready, you have to stay motivated.

“Hopefully, the Sports Connexion fight will be a good six rounder against someone who’ll give it a good go.”

Louis is seasoned enough to be philosophical over what boxing has given him. “The highs and lows are part of it,” he shrugged. “This is something I’ve done for the last 20 years.”

In a matter of weeks, Louis begins another quest for a Midlands title chance.

If there’s any justice in this world, he’ll capture one.

For him, it will be like lifting a world title.