Clayton will be looking to get back to winning ways and a victory would be a perfect early Christmas present. The experienced Little will be in the other corner on BCB Promotions’ ‘The Fight Before Christmas’, sponsored by Grosvenor Casino Birmingham Hill Street.
Solihull’s Clayton recovered from a nasty cut by his left eye since his last ring time in October, which was the only time he’s failed to win in the paid ranks.
The 24-year-old super welterweight boxed with the injury from the second of a scheduled six rounds and saw the final bell. Both he and opponent Nathan Hardy had their hand raised, though, with referee Kevin Parker declaring the bout a draw, through a 57-57 scoreline on points. Clayton had previously racked up seven over-the-distance victories from six outings, but he’s still unbeaten and his ‘0’ remains.
He’s adamant he will be coming out on top this time, too, with Little making the trip back down from Driffield in Yorkshire to compete.
“I thought I’d done enough to win the last one,” Clayton told bcb-promotions.com. “However, looking back now, I can see why it was a draw. I’ve never been cut before and I panicked.
“The blood kept pouring into my eyes, too, and everything I could see looked like a red mist. My vision was really bothering me.
“I was worried that the referee was going to stop the fight, as well, so I was throwing wild bombs trying to force a stoppage. It wasn’t a good position to be in.
“But it’s fine now, I’ve sparred with an open headguard since then and there’s no been no problems, so I’m good to go.
“I’ve got the chance to put it right on December 21 and I want to finish the year on a high. Ultimately, I can still be undefeated going into 2018.
“I don’t think it will be long now before I’ll be going after titles and the Midlands belt at my weight is currently vacant. I’d love to have that opportunity.
“I’ll have had nine fights after this and it would be great to get to 10-0 with a big fight. I’d do it properly, take time off work and train full-time. You’d definitely see the best of me then.”
Tickets for the show are on sale, by calling 07964 984 445, by contacting the boxers on Facebook or online at iboxingtickets.com. They are priced at £65, which includes a two-course meal.
