Scarrott secures a surprise title chance

James Scarrott…matched with Jamie Stewart for Midlands title

JAMES Scarrott has come a long way since losing his first three amateur bouts.

The teenager is unbeaten in five as a pro and this week received news a title fight is in the bag.

The welter will face Stoke warrior Jamie Stewart for the vacant Midlands title, with the bout expected to take place in February.

Scarrott, from Worcester, will give away a lot of of experience to the Potteries hard man who has already held the belt.

James, who turned pro last year, has only been the six round distance once. He will, however, receive valuable tips on how to tackle Stewart from friend and fellow Worcester ABC old boy, Owen Cooper.

Cooper, now also in the BCB pro stable, comprehensively beat Stewart for the title – and looked a million dollars in doing it.

I’ve witnessed Scarrott, still only 19 but boss of his own company, in action from ringside. He lets the combinations flow and is aggressive.

“But it’s educated aggression,” he stressed during our interview. “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.

Scarrott is – and let’s not pull punches – a tough lad still learning the professional craft. He’s yet to lose a round, yet to stop an opponent.

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 forthcoming 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.”