Sherriff gets shot at lining up title fight

COVENTRY light-heavyweight Joe Sherriff has got the big fight he was looking for.

The 28 year old southpaw will meet Jake Ball in an eliminator for the English championship at York Hall in Bethnal Green on Friday, September 1.

The 10-round fight tops the bill on promoter Eddie Hearn’s ‘Nxt Gen’ show and will be screened live on Sky Sports.

Sherriff said: “This fight is my ticket to big things.

“Win this and I should get a straight shot at the English title. I did say the English title was my target this year and now it looks like it could happen.

“There have been a few frustrations for me recently and now I’ve got the chance to fight on TV in front of Eddie Hearn I’m determined to take this opportunity.”

Sherriff steps up after winning all 11 fights spread over three years, while Ball is a lofty left-hander from Surrey who has compiled a 9-1 record in front of the Sky Sports cameras.

Seven of his wins have come inside three rounds – but the 24-year-old has been stopped early himself.

Irish southpaw JJ McDonagh ambushed him in only 93 seconds at Wembley Arena last November.

Ball was smashed out of the ring – and Sherriff says he’s planning a similar demolition job.

He said: “I always go in there looking for the stoppage and I want to make a statement by stopping Ball.

“I’ve seen a bit of Ball and know that he’s good, but vulnerable.

“He didn’t really fight anyone and then when he stepped up, he got knocked out.

“They don’t think I’m a big puncher, but I’ve been fighting at the wrong weight.

“I’m strong at light heavyweight – and I’m going to surprise a lot of people. I’m hoping I can take a good crowd with me to York Hall.”

Tickets for the show at York Hall are available from 07472 780647.