Marley heads to Plymouth bout

Boxer's title shot begins in the west after Home Counties walk-over

MARLEY Churcher will be pitched back into championship action at the weekend when he pursues the ABA Championships at the Western Counties ABA-hosted event in Plymouth.

Churcher, now fighting at cruiserweight, had a walk-over in last week's depleted Home Counties ABA card at Oxford but now faces a real test when he takes on Poole's Christopher Smith at the Plymouth Albion Marquee Centre this weekend.

The 20-year old Smith has recently claimed the ABA under 86 kilo novices title and now moves up to senior level and will face Churcher over three-three minute rounds.

Churcher has traiend himself down to the cruiserweight level and coach Paul Cooke believes that he is well rpepared for his latest challenge.

"He is in good shape, has got his weight down and we think he can go a long way this year," he said.

"Smith is not so experienced, but he is a good young hopeful."

The reward for the winner will be a place next stage to be held in London.

THAMES Valley ABC will stage a dinner show at Thatcham Town FC's Claridge Suite on Friday, May 13.

The invitation-only event is likely to feature 10 bouts.