Jason Welborn lands second British title shot
Rowley Regis' Jason Welborn has joined Walsall's Martin Gethin in getting a second crack at the British title on the Tyson Fury-Dereck Chisora show.
Big-hitter Welborn, thwarted in his effort by Frankie Gavin at welterweight in January 2013, steps up to light middle to face champion Liam Smith.
The reigning Midlands title holder is stepping in for Navid Mansouri, who has pulled out with a back injury, at the Manchester Arena on July 26.
Welborn said: "I feel for Mansouri, but that's boxing. I know all about Liam Smith. I have sparred him before and I'm confident. With respect, he's no Frankie Gavin.
"I knew when I faced Frankie that the odds were stacked in his favour. He's a quality boxer with slick movement. He's up there with the best in the world.
"Liam Smith has had his opponents hand-picked and won the title that way. He drew with Terry Carruthers, who I stopped in December. He's not in Frankie's league.
"It's at a higher weight but, since I stepped up, I have felt comfortable and strong. I have worked my up to this and it's my time to bring that belt back to the Black Country."
Gethin will also get an immediate chance to reclaim the British lightweight title on the card, competing against Terry Flanagan for the belt after Derry Matthews vacated.
Fury and Chisora lock horns in a hotly-anticipated rematch, also a final eliminator for the WBO world heavyweight crown. Fury outpointed him the first time around in 2011.
