Kirk faces old foe in re-jigged title clash

Kirk and his team after winning the Midlands title

TELFORD’S Cinderella Man Kirk Stevens will now make the first defence of his Midlands light-welter title against Kirk Stevens.

Kirk was to have faced Potteries favourite Kaash Johnson with the belt on the line at Northwood Community Sports, Stoke, on December 2.

Reasons for Johnson’s withdrawal are unclear, but I understand he’s been absent from the gym.

Fellow Stoke warrior Stewart – the man Stevens outpointed for the title in September now steps into the breach.

Promoter Scott Lawton said: “Kirk beat him before, so will start favourite, but it’s Jamies chance for revenge.

“And Jamie’s one of the hardest workers in the gym.”

Stevens, aged 33, has created a real Rocky story.

No one gave him a chance of winning Tommy Owens’ welter Top Boxer tournament in February after he entered as a late sub. Yet he bit on his gumshield, took his lumps and won the event.

You may be able to pick holes in the Telford fighter’s technique, no one can question his old-fashioned bottle. Kirk, managed by Jon Pegg, trained by Mo Fiaz, is one hard so-and-so.

Stevens turned over after a brief, nine fight amateur career (one loss) and a fistful of bouts on the amateur circuit.

Until Top Boxer glory, he’d hardly set the world on fire. Kirk was knocked out in his debut and had lost three of four when chancing his arm in the tournament.

We now know what he’s capable of – and Kirk insists he’s improving all the time.

“I didn’t put a pair of gloves on until I was 25,” he said, “then I trained for a year. I’m still learning on the job, I feel like an 18-year-old in the sport. I’m a work in progress.

“I prefer the pros much more than the amateurs, it’s more my style. It’s more about timing than setting a fast pace, it’s more about placing your shots. It’s about making your punches count.

“Since turning pro, I’ve taken boxing more seriously and I’m more dedicated. People are surprised how much I’ve progressed and I’m improving all the time. I’m always sparring, always training.”