Melvin, Broughton: battle for bragging rights in Birmingham

Mykey Lee Broughton at Saturday’s press conference

IT is the most significant Midlands title fight for years – a clash between two hot prospects from Birmingham, young men tipped for big things.

And on Saturday Scott Melvin and Mykey Lee Broughton came face to face at a press conference called to beat the drum for their September 9 clash at Planet Ice, Solihull, for the vacant lightweight belt.

Not that it needs much beating. The bout has created a wave of excitement in the Second City. It is a “must see” for local fans.

In age when prospects fatten their records on journeymen, the two are taking the plunge into 10 rounds territory after less than 10 fights. It is a 50-50 battle.

Both – Melvin from the Eastside gym, Broughton under Anthony Manning’s management – are essentially unbeaten. The one blemish on 23-year-old Melvin’s record is fairly meaningless, coming on split decision over three rounds in a knockout tournament. Broughton, aged 22, has won seven.

Scott Melvin…”skills pay the bills.”

At the Planet Ice press conference, the fighters avoided eye contact, but showed the respect.

It was Manning, a new figure on the pro scene, who attempted mind-games. As I approached, he was subjecting Melvin to a touch of gamesmanship.

“He looks small at the weight,” he said, sizing Melvin up and down before addressing Scott: “I’m saying, you look small at the weight compared to my lad.”

“Terrier” Melvin, from Chelmsley Wood, was having none of it. “I’ve put the work in the gym,” he assured Manning. “Skills pay the bills, not size.”

As he strode away, Melvin assured me: “He ain’t getting under my skin.”

That’s Manning, a maverick. I can’t think of many trainers or managers who’d make a point of winding-up the opposition at such events.

He told me: “They are fit, talented lads. It will be a great fight.”

The day gave me my first opportunity to interview Mykey Lee Broughton face-to-face. In the past, he had declined to comment on the fight – a fight I urged the Boxing Board of Control to make happen. I’ll admit to being frustrated by his silence.

I found him a thoroughly nice individual – with plenty to say for himself.

Broughton, to his credit, apologised for not taking part in interviews, explaining: “You know how it is, politics.”

And he said: “You’ve built this fight.”

That is much appreciated.

“It’s a great opportunity,” he said. “We both want to push on. I’m ready, he’s ready. I’m not the kind of fighter who shies away from anybody.”

Melvin said simply: “This is a big fight for the Midlands and I’m ready to show levels.”

It’s a big fight, it’s a fantastic fight – and one not to be missed by Birmingham fans.

Forgot the money on the table. This is about bragging rights in Birmingham.