Blackpool’s RP Davies will fight for his first title in front of his home fans on April 9.

The Central Area super-welterweight title bout against Dave Fidler, of Sheffield, will take place at the Village Urban Resort, Blackpool.

This is a switch from the original planned date in Rotherham seven days earlier.

Davies said: “It is a credit to my management team that we have managed to secure this fight in Blackpool and also to Fidler for stepping out of his back yard to face me in my home town.”

“This is a huge opportunity for me, fighting for a title in my ninth fight, but one which I have earned through hard work and dedication.”

“I am under no illusions that Dave Fidler is my biggest test to date.”

“He is a tough, awkward fighter with a very good record. He is also the reigning Central Area champion, so he has my upmost respect.”

“As a southpaw so he will present a new challenge and will be something I have to consider in my camp building up to this fight.”

Davies recently sparred with Sam Matkin, who beat Kirkham’s Adam Little for the Central Area super-lightweight title, and he knows he will be the underdog next month.

Davies said: “I am well aware of the difficulty of the task facing me on the 9th and in all fairness I recognise that I will not be the favourite to win this fight on paper, but I will put everything I have into the camp to ensure I am fully prepared come fight night and bring the title back to Blackpool.”

“I never turned to the professional ranks just to take part – I did it to win titles and make my family, my supporters and the people of Blackpool proud. I am thoroughly looking forward to making another step up and step forward in my career.”

VIP Ringside seats (with meal) are £70, with standard tickets priced at £30.

Tickets can be purchased by calling 07780962863, emailing info@rpdboxing.com or directly from Davies Boxing Gym, Brinwell Road, Blackpool.

Alex McCloy, the unbeaten young Blackpool boxer, is also scheduled to fight on the show, which takes place in the same night as Blackpool’s Brian Rose meets Matthew Macklin at the O2 Arena in London.

Source: Steve Simpson, Blackpool Gazette (9th March 2016)