Scarrott is all set for ‘coming of age’ epic

James Scarrott…fights for the Midlands title tonight

JAMES Scarrott’s title moment has arrived early.

After only five fights and at the age of 20, he bids for the vacant Midlands welterweight title.

He has travelled no more than six rounds, is yet to score a stoppage. But tonight (Friday) at Birmingham’s Eastside Rooms, Scarrott faces war-horse Jamie Stewart over the championship course.

He has big shoes to fill. Former champ Owen Cooper, also from Worcester, is seen as one of this country’s brightest hopes and boxes for the English belt next month.

Cooper put on a masterclass to outbox Stewart for the Midlands crown in 2022.

Tonight’s battle, staged by BCB, is an intriguing clash of young gun boxer and battle scarred veteran.

Stoke’s Stewart, a tough-as-boot-leather operator who turned his life around through the sport, has travelled 10 rounds on five occasions – each one with a Midlands title on the line.

He initially took the belt with victory over Alex Fearon in 2022, defended by drawing with tough Ben Fields, then ran into Cooper.

His last two fights – both humdingers – have been points losses to Telford’s Kirk Stevens for the light-welterweight belt.

The 31-year-old’s 12 bout record (four wins, three draw) is studded with thrillers. The draw with former world youth champ Ray Moylette, in Cannock last year stands out, with the Irish on the verge of being stopped when the final bell rang.

Scarrott may have caught Stewart at the right time, but he’ll have to graft harder than he’s ever grafted before. He’ll have to graft for longer than he has before.

That’s what makes the contest so tantalising. It’s a big leap from six to 10 rounds.

In a previous interview, Scarrott, who runs his own company, told me: “I’m not one of those lads who just jumps in. I’m in boxing for the money, I’m in it to win titles. I have my eyes set on a British title. If I achieve that, I feel I’ve achieved everything I’ve wanted, I’ll be happy.”

That’s a big goal. Forget the deluge of international, continental and silver belts in the game today, you still have to be something special to gain a Lonsdale Belt. They don’t come easy.

After his inauspicious start in the amateur ranks, Jamie knuckled down and became a formidable force. He lost seven of 30 vested contests, gained Midlands titles and knocked on the door of national honours.

Jamie decided to punch for pay after being declared loser of a championship clash he felt he won clearly.

The power is there, he insists.

“I’m the worst critic of myself,” James said. “People will tell me I did OK, but I always feel I could do better – even after sparring.”

Of the battle with Stewart, he said: “I think he’s tough and fit, I don’t think he’s the best when it comes to boxing ability.

“I feel he’ll start strong and I’ll grind him down maybe in the seventh or eighth.”

Make no mistake, this is Scarrott’s coming of age contest.