Melvin: ‘I feel better than I’ve ever felt’

Champion Melvin listens to instructions at the Eastside Gym

ON a glittering bill at Coventry’s Skydome next month, one bout shines brightest – Scott Melvin’s Midlands lightweight title defence against Ameen Khalid.

The March 9 bout is, to all intent and purpose, a 10 round battle of unbeatens. Melvin’s one loss in nine came on split decision in a three round tournament. Such gambles are an aside from the bread-and-butter of championship boxing.

Worcester’s Khalid is unbeaten in eight – one draw, is undoubtedly skilful, but I’m not yet sure of the 27-year-old’s credentials. He strings together punches in eye-catching combinations, but has been dropped and pushed hard in bouts that looked, on paper, routine.

Last time out he drew with wildly unorthodox Tatenda Mangombe over four rounds.  He’s been dopped by journeyman Jahfieus Faure and looked lucky to get the decision.

In 23-year-old Melvin, Khalid, yet to go past six rounds, faces his stiffest test. The questions will be answered against Melvin.

“This is his first test as a pro,” said Scott who, along with Nyall Berry, has emerged as the brightest prospects among Eastside gym’s new breed.

The Chelmsley Wood “Terrier” showed his mettle last time out in his first 10 rounder. Trailing on points, Melvin stuck to his guns, showed dogged determination and stopped fellow unbeaten boxer Mykey Lee-Broughton in the final round.

That showed a champions’ all-consuming self belief.

“I kept on going,” said Scott, speaking to me after a sparring session with Danny Quartermaine. “There was never a moment when I didn’t feel I was going to win the fight – do or die. I’ve now done 10 rounds and I’m a better fighter for it.”

The reward is headlining GBM’s major Skydome bill, streamed live on TalkSport.

“I feel I deserve it,” said Melvin. “This is my fourth unbeaten opponent – how many boxers can say that after 10 fights?

“I don’t know too much about him, I know a little bit from the amateurs. I know, as a pro, he’s stumbled when he shouldn’t have. I don’t think he can fight on the inside.

“I know I feel better than I’ve ever felt.”

Melvin is not looking past Khalid, but is eyeing a move to British title status. “An English title fight next,” he said, “then I’m in the mix.

“There is so much more to come and I feel the improvement, it excites me. It’s exciting for me, myself.

“I feel there’s so much more to show and I want to show it against Khalid.”