Telford's Kieron Gray vows to reclaim his title
Kieron Gray today declared he's bringing the British Bronze Masters super middleweight title back to Telford after tomorrow's fight night.
'Slammer' will contest eight rounds with Stafford's Grant Cunningham for the vacant crown at the Chase Leisure Centre in Cannock.
Gray has been in possession of the belt before it was put up-for-grabs again, stunning Jake Dyer with a points win by three rounds in February.
The 36-year-old has also competed in losing efforts for the same title and for the International Masters Bronze crown down at middleweight.
His experience in the prize ring is not to be taken lightly, particularly after holding Jamie Ball to a draw after the full 10 rounds for the Midlands light middleweight strap in 2010.
His latest opportunity is set to be his 40th paid bout but he goes further back than that with Cunningham, since their days as amateurs on the same circuit.
Gray said: "This is a good fight for me. Being a journeyman, it's always nice to get a chance to fight for a belt, especially quite close to home.
"All my other title fights, I have had to travel and that can take it out of you on the day, but I always come to win. The fact it's only down the road in Cannock gives me an advantage.
"I don't feel any added pressure, either, through fighting nearer to home. It's better having a crowd behind you and I'm hoping to give them something to cheer about.
"I want to get the win and bring that belt back to Telford. I'm really looking forward to it now.
"Training camp has gone fine. It's been nice to have more than a weeks' notice for a fight, so preparation has been good!
"It will be good to mix it up with Grant and may the best man win on the night."
It's a family affair on the under-card as cousins Josh and Kieran McLaren both feature, the latter making his professional debut.
Josh is managed by Frank Warren and has eased to four straight wins at welterweight, while Kieran turns over at light welter.
Another pair of Stoke fighters are on the bill in British Silver Masters lightweight champion Andy Keates and super middleweight Mark Till. Chester's Nathan Clarke also features at light welter.
Tickets, priced at £30 and £50 ringside, are available by calling 07811 132 170.
