Fields gets shot at a Commonwealth title

Ben Fields (left)…a warrior right down to his boot laces

ONLY days after writing about the lack of opportunities presented to Ben Fields, the Digbeth hardman has clinched a big fight.

A very big fight, at that.

The rugged 33-year-old faces Liverpool’s Jack Rafferty, a 27-year-old undefeated in 20 contests and dubbed “The Demolition Man”.

The two meet for the vacant Commonwealth silver belt at Olympia, Liverpool, on September 16.

Fields’ former opponent Lee Appleyard was to have faced Rafferty. When he pulled out, Birmingham’s former Midlands champ stepped in.

I’ll admit Commonwealth silver titles are a new one on me and I’m not sure of their worth.

But the bout is highly significant and victory would see Fields rocket up the ratings.

“It’s a tough one, possibly Ben’s toughest one to date,” trainer Shaun Cogan admitted.

“But Ben’s been in training in case there was a pull-out and it happened.”

Manager Jon Pegg said: “Rafferty’s very correct, very sharp, but he’s had things pretty much his own way. His career has been a bit of a slow burn.”

Fields, in a 29 fight career, has become used to entering the lion’s den.

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

Yet under Cogan, 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.

Last week, Pegg summed it up succinctly: “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.”

There have been some famous nights in Ben Fields’ career. Beating Rafferty would be the most famous of them all.