HALESOWEN middleweight prospect Lennox Clarke admits 2016 is a big year.

The likeable 24-year-old has barely dropped a round since turning professional 26 months ago but only saw ring action three times in 2015.

Clarke was due to challenge Midlands Area Middleweight Champion Craig Cunningham in October but had to pull out with injury.

Now, fully recovered, he is determined to make up for lost time.

“It was a blow to miss out on the Cunningham fight,” said Clarke. “It was the chance to compete for a Midlands title against a good champion but injuries happen in boxing.

“That’s behind me now and I’m ready to push on. I want to be active in 2016 and see how far I can go in this game.”

Clarke (9-0) steps in with Harlow’s Richard Horton at Walsall Town Hall on Friday, February 19 as Hatton Promotions and Black Country Boxing join forces once again.

Horton will provide a tough test. The 34-year-old Essex man has won nine of his 14 fights with three of those defeats coming at Southern Area Title level.

“Horton is a tough opponent,” admitted Clarke. “He’s had more wins than defeats and he hasn’t got the nickname ‘Lionheart’ for nothing. He’s a step in the right direction for me.

“This is a big year for me. If I want to go anywhere in this sport, I need to make inroads this year. I’ve got a good team around me and I’m ready to kick on.”

Clarke is joined on ‘Undefeated’ by seven other undefeated prospects.

Ricky Hatton-trained trio Nantwich’s Nathan Gorman (1-0), Market Harborough’s Reuben Arrowsmith (3-0) and Wednesbury’s Sam Evans (2-0) are all back in action.

Also appearing are West Bromwich heavyweight Matt Gordon (2-0), Old Hill's stylish Manny 'Pac Man' Zaber (3-0), Stoke's Kieran McLaren (6-0) and Birmingham puncher Luke Heron (Walker) (2-0).

Highly-rated Swadlincote prospect, Zach Parker (3-0), has now been switched to a show later in the year.

Tickets are priced at £30 (general admission) and £60 (VIP Ringside), and can be purchased by calling 0845 111 2900 or directly from any boxer on the bill.