JAMIE Ball is hoping the early nights will pay off in the biggest fight of his career so far.

The Dudley light-middleweight is undertaking an intense training camp as he prepares to meet Nasser Al Harbi in an English title eliminator at Birmingham’s New Bingley Hall on March 16.

In addition to two training sessions a day, Midlands champion Ball has been paying extra attention to his diet and sleeping patterns in order to be in the best shape possible for a bout in which both men are risking unbeaten records.

He said: “I’ve never prepared for a fight like this before.

“This is going to be the toughest test of my career so far and I intend to be ready for it.

“Usually I like going out socialising even when I’ve got a fight coming up but I’ve knocked all that on the head.

“My last night out was New Year’s Eve and I’ve been fully focused on my training. I’ve been on a strict diet and been getting plenty of early nights, I’m usually in bed by 9pm!”

Both fighters have won 13 contests with Ball also having a draw on his record.

The Dudley man has also been allowed an extended break from work by his employer and sponsor Daneways Ltd in order to undergo a full training camp at Shaun Cooper’s Brierley Hill gym.

He added: “I’ve been off work since before Christmas. I’m lucky because my boss is a boxing fan and has been fantastic with me.

“Sparring has been going well and all the lads I have been in with have say they have never seen me so focused and sharp this far out from a fight.”

Meanwhile, a host of borough boxers are on course to star in front of a sell-out crowd at Wolverhampton’s Civic Hall later next month.

The show on March 23 is topped by Shane McPhilbin’s defence of his British cruiserweight title against former WBO world champion Enzo Maccarinelli, with Rowley Regis welterweight Jason Welborn featuring in the main support bout when he defends his Midlands title against James Flinn.

PJ Rowson, who is co-promoting the show with Frank Warren, revealed more than 1,200 tickets had already been sold.

Stourbridge’s Steven Pearce, Brierley Hill’s Kyle Spencer and Halesowen’s Saqib Amir are also penned in to appear on the bill.

Tickets are available by calling Rowson on 07976-283157 or the box office on 0870-3207000.