UNBEATEN Pauly Upton will return to action in Walsall on February 19 and he’s keen to push towards title class.
 
The Ricky Hatton-trained super-welterweight will face Brighton’s experienced Kevin McCauley as part of his preparations for a potential Irish title tilt in the spring.
 
Pauly took his professional ledger to 11-0 by comprehensively outboxing tough Hungarian Zoltan Turai in November and is looking to start 2016 with a bang.
 
“It’s time for me to push on and start getting some belts around my waist,” Pauly, 27, said.
 
“Obviously, this fight is a warm up and I’m going to use it to sharpen up my skills before going after the Irish title.
 
“McCauley is as tough as old boots so he’s ideal really. Afterwards I think I’ll be ready to move up to ten-rounders and show people what I can really do.
 
“My brothers [Sonny and Anthony] have already moved up a level and have either boxed for titles and been in eliminators and it’s my turn now.”
 
Although he was born in London, Pauly comes from proud Irish stock and spent much of his childhood in Dublin and Belfast. He also followed in his grandfather’s footsteps by boxing for the Emerald Isle as an amateur.
 
“My whole family is Irish so it’s always been my goal to win the Irish title,” he said. “I won All-Ireland titles in the amateurs and it would be a dream come true to be the country’s champion as a pro.
 
“Dee Walsh holds the belt, but I think he might be moving onto something else so if it’s vacant then I’ll be ready to take on whoever is available.”
 
The February 19 show is a co-promotion between Hatton Promotions and Black Country Boxing and is headlined by Halesowen puncher Lennox Clarke in an eight round tussle with Harlow’s Richard Horton.
 
On the undercard, 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 back in action against as yet to be confirmed opponents.
 
Also appearing are West Bromwich heavyweight Matt Gordon (2-0), highly-rated Swadlincote prospect Zach Parker (3-0), Old Hill’s stylish Manny ‘Pac Man’ Zaber (3-0), Stoke’s Kieran McLaren (6-0) and Birmingham puncher Luke Heron (Walker) (2-0).
 
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.