TWO of Dudley’s up-and-coming young boxing stars have their sights firmly on title shots as they continue to climb the professional ranks.

Light-middleweight Jamie Ball and Cradley featherweight Chris Male will both take unbeaten records into their fights at Wolverhampton Civic Hall on Friday July 17.

Ball has won seven bouts while Male has won five and the pair make no secret of their ambition to become Midlands title holders before launching an assault on their respective British crowns sooner rather than later.

Ball said: “At the moment things are going really well, I’m looking to get four or five more fights in by the end of the year, I just have to keep on winning.

“I think both of us would be looking to fight for the Midland’s titles early next year and the British title is obviously the ambition.

“It’s such a prestigious title and can really open doors for you.”

Both fighters are trained by Ball’s uncle, ex-pro Shaun Cooper, at the Fitness First gym on Level Street, Brierley Hill.

Ball revealed he and his training partners, who also include Sam Padgett and Dean Anderson, are now being given additional coaching by Lindon Scarlett and Razza Campbell.

He said: “They have joined the coaching team and thet have been able to pass on a lot of advice, they can tell you about things you might not know at this stage of your career.

“With so many of us at similar stages of our careers it does motivate you to work, we help drive each other on.”

While Ball’s opponent is still to be confirmed, Male is due to face experienced Walsall fighter Steve Gethin, a former opponent of Amir Khan.

The 26-year-old, who works as a postman, outpointed Telford’s Shaun Watson in his last fight and admitted the task of balancing work and training requires a lot of dedication.

He said: “Work are really supportive in terms of allowing me the time off, sometimes at the end of a hard day training is the last thing you want to do but you’ve got to graft, you’ve got to really want it as that’s often what makes the difference.

“At times it can be pretty tough but you have to stay strong.

“Steve will be a tricky opponent, he obviously has a lot of experience so it will be a good test for me.”

First Team Promotions Summer Slammer event also features Tipton’s former amateur star Lee Glover, who is making his professional debut, and Wolverhampton’s Dean Harrison.

Tickets cost £30 and £50 ringside, contact the box office on 0870 3207000 or Errol Johnson on 07852 268333 or PJ Rowson on 07976 283157.