Murray’s first public show in Cannock is already a sell-out!

Zach Evans…on the April 28 show. Pictures: MSN Images

CANNOCK – a former mining town where the pro game has lain dormant for too long – clearly has a big appetite for the sport.

On April 28, the first public pro show in 17 years takes place in Cannock and it is already sold out.

The bill is staged by local promoter, and former heavyweight Scott Murray, at his Premier Suite venue. Jon Pegg is the matchmaker.

Last year Scott reviewed professional boxing in his home-town by unveiling the exclusive Excelsior sporting club, which has its base at the Premier Suite.

The fact next month’s public show sold out in record time is testimony to the pulling power of those on the bill: Cannock lads Zach Evans and Ollie Cooper, Niall Farrell, from Birmingham, Dylan Norman, from Knowle, and Harry Fiaz, from Telford.

“There’s a tremendous appetite for the game,” said Scott. “Not just here, but throughout Staffordshire and the Black Country.”

He has handed Evans and Cooper a chance to fight on shows in their home town – something they probably didn’t expect when turning over.

Zach, trained by Mitchel Pearce, said: “When I saw what Scott was doing with his shows in Cannock, I didn’t want to miss out. I didn’t want to miss out on the chance to fight in my home town.

“I saw Ollie Cooper was on at the Excelsior and thought, ‘I want some of that, too!’”

“They will both be in six rounders on April 28,” said Scott. “The plan is for both of them to fight for Midlands titles immediately after that.”

Ollie Cooper…one fight away from Midlands title shot

Opponents have yet to be announced. But I understand middleweight Cooper, trained by Richie Carter, will probably face Mikey Byles.

Byles featured on this month’s Excelsior Club show and gave Midlands champ Liam O’Hare a real scrap.

Be warned, Ollie – Byles is raw, but as hard as nails. This could be your toughest fight.

After so long without a show, Cannock fans are being positively spoilt. They are being treated to almost a show a month.

There’s another Excelsior show on May 23 that may feature Sam Eggington. A public show will take place on June 23 and, following a three month break, Scott will again stage monthly boxing bills until the year’s end.

On top of that hectic schedule, he hopes to put on his first Excelsior boxing evening in London in October.