Midland title shot for Cinderella man Kirk

Kirk Stevens lifts the Top Boxer trophy. Now for the Midlands…

KIRK Stevens has gained a reward beyond the thousands of pounds gained for winning Tommy Owens’ welterweight Top Boxer tournament five months ago.

Inactive since that February night at Solihull Ice Rink, he has landed a Midlands title fight at the division below, light-welter (super-light to boxing’s newer breed).

But Telford’s Stevens is up against it. He faces Stoke’s rugged former champ Jamie Stewart for the vacant belt on the hardman’s own turf, Fenton Manor Sports Complex.

The mouthwatering clash is scheduled for September 30.

Likeable Stevens emerged from nowhere to win the Top Boxer tournament: a last-man-standing night that saw eight men take part in three round shoot-outs.

Kirk, a last minute addition to the competition, was viewed a rank outsider. The other hopefuls were unbeaten, Stevens had lost three of his four pro bouts. And he’d been knocked out very early in his paid debut.

What’s more, at 33 he was the oldest man in the line-up.

Yet he beat Don Itutu in the quarters, Danny Costello in the semis and Taylor Greig in the final to become welterweight Top Boxer.

After lifting the trophy, Kirk said: “That was a Rocky, Rocky moment.

“I’ve got the heart of a lion. I didn’t do much as an amateur and as a pro I’ve been fighting on the road, which is fine. It’s all money. Tonight I beat three undefeated lads.

 “This will get me noticed.”

It has.

Kirk will be hoping for another Rocky moment against Stewart – the man is boot-leather tough.

He outpointed Alex Fearon for the Midlands welter title last year, drew with dangerous Ben Fields in a home-city defence, but was widely outpointed by Owen Cooper with his belt on the line.

And Stewart is coming off a fine performance.

At Cannock in June, he had former world junior champ Ray Moylette in all kinds of trouble in the final round. Stewart seemed only seconds from defeat, but the Irishman survived and earned a share of the spoils.

He’ll be a hot favourite to beat Stevens. Kirk, however, has defied the odds before.