HALESOWEN'S Lennox Clarke will warm up for a British super-middleweight title fight with rounds at Walsall Town Hall tonight.

The former white collar boxer, 28, has Lerrone Richards in his sights but first faces a tricky warm up on the BCB Promotions bill.

Clarke admits this week’s opponent Darryl Sharp won’t be easy but says he won’t be taking victory for granted either as he eagerly awaits another chance to add a belt to his collection when he faces Richards

He said: “Darryl is a bit of a journeyman but I’m not overlooking him at all - I have great respect for him as he will chew me up a bit. It won’t be an easy fight but I’m confident and I’ve been preparing well for this one and mentally I’m ready.”

Boxing as a career hasn’t always come easy to Clarke who spent eight months out last year through illness and injury.

He said: “It hasn’t always been plain sailing but I’m itching to get back in the ring and win again,” he said.

Alluding to his family’s love of boxing names Clarke said: “My dad Rocky is Jamaican and loves his boxing so you could say that is why we all have boxers’ names though it may also just be coincidence as I’m the only one who steps into the ring.

“My older brother Lewis is a model and my younger brother Ben a footballer so we couldn’t be more different in terms of our trades.

“I’ve been lucky to be working with BCB and can’t thank them enough for the opportunities they’ve given me. They’re great lads to work worth and I really am itching now for these next couple of fights.”

Clarke said his inspiration to succeed was his two-year-old daughter Ava Lily and providing the best life he can for her and his partner.

“Ava is two and a half going on 20,” he said. “I’ve sacrificed a lot of time with her to training but it will all be worth it soon.

“I’ve spent way too much time out and I want to put that right this year. My time is now. I’m the very best version of myself right now and I’m ready.”

Clarke will join Redditch fighter Andrew Robinson, Aldridge super bantamweight Rachel Ball, Telford super bantamweight Liam Davies, and Dudley super lightweight Ruben Campbell on this Saturday’s bill.

They are also joined by three debutants in the home corner with Owen Cooper, Dylan Norman and Kashif Khan making their pro bows.

Tickets, priced at £35 standard or £65 VIP ringside with a buffet and waitress service, are on sale now from the town hall box office on 0845 111 2900. Entry on the door is £40.