Sherriff may get surprise shot at title

THERE’S a chance Coventry light-heavyweight Joe Sherriff could get a surprise shot at the English championship.

Portsmouth’s Joel McIntyre is looking for a challenger after Dec Spelman pulled out of their fight through injury – and Sherriff could step in.

The 30 year-old southpaw is managed by MTK Birmingham and Joint Head of Operations Will Stokes said: “We have made McIntyre an offer and are just waiting to hear back from them.

“He’s weighing up his options at the moment.”

Sherriff has won all 11 fights (three inside the distance) and under MTK, he’s built some momentum.

“Joe is ready to step up,” said Stokes.

“The way he looks in sparring, he can go beyond the English title.

“He has a style that’s going to be hard to beat.

“He’s a southpaw counterpuncher who can bang.

“He’s a nightmare for opponents. He will give people problems.”

Stokes confirmed Coventry fighters Troy James and Michael Green will be in action on the MTK show in Solihull on Saturday, July 8.

James is set to be matched at featherweight at Tudor Grange Leisure Centre after spending most of his career up at 9st 4lbs, while Green will be looking to extend his unbeaten record.

Meanwhile, Warwick middleweight Mike Byles has been handed a big incentive to win his next fight.

Byles and Tyler Denny meet for the vacant British Challenge Belt in the top-ofthe-bill fight in Dudley on Saturday, June 9 – and the winner looks set to get a shot at the vacant Midlands Area middleweight championship.

Manager Jon Pegg said: “The Midlands Area Council have told us Mike needs a good win to get a shot at the title – and fighting Denny makes sense.”

The plan appears to be for the winner of Byles-Denny to meet Tom Stokes for the vacant belt.

Stokes is a 22 year old from West Bromwich who’s won all nine fights (one inside the distance) and holds the British Challenge Belt.