Keiron Gray gets a shot at Masters crown

When Shropshire fighter Kieron Gray hung up his gloves towards the end of 2010, he never imagined that he would be contesting a British Masters title fight less than 18 months later.

But that is exactly what will happen this weekend, as Gray takes on Warren Tansey in Manchester for the chance to call himself British Masters middleweight champion.

Terry Carruthers was due to fight Tansey but had to withdraw.

His loss became Gray's gain as he seized the opportunity for the chance of a new belt at the age of 34.

Gray said: "When the opportunity came up with Terry pulling out, my manager phoned me and I jumped on the opportunity.

"These are the kind of fights you can't afford to turn away and I am looking forward to it.

"When I retired, I thought that was it in terms of title fights for me so to have the chance to do so again is really exciting."

Gray had most of his early success at light-middleweight, but this fight represents a step-up in weight.

However, Gray is not perturbed and reckons the fight will be an even contest.

He added: "I normally have to work hard to lose the weight for a light-middleweight fight, so I am quite happy going into this one.

"I think it's 50/50 going into the fight and I expect it to be close."