Blackpool boxer RP Davies is no longer fighting Dave Fidler for the Central Area title in his home town on Saturday – but he still has an important point to prove at the Village Urban Resort.

Scheduled opponent Fidler failed the check weigh in, so Davies will instead meet William Warburton, who inflicted his only professional defeat to date – a stoppage nearly a year ago.

Middleweight Davies said: “I was firmly on track for the weight, so it is very disappointing as I had spent my entire camp preparing for a southpaw in Dave Fidler. I felt ready and confident.”

“As disappointing as it is, these things can happen in boxing. I just have to keep my head on the job and hope my chance comes sooner rather than later.”

Davies will meet Warburton for the minor British Challenge title. He said: “The opportunity to share the ring with Warburton again has been on my mind since he beat me last April. This is my chance to put things right and show how far I have come over the past year.”

“I am fighting an awkward competitor and a man who has soundly beaten me before, but anyone who knows me knows I have never done things the easy way.”

“This is something I feel I need to do and it almost seems like fate the way this opportunity has presented itself.”

Source: Steve Simpson, Blackpool Gazette (6th April 2016)