Next month at Dudley Town Hall, Louis Welsh steps back into the ring to take on London's Mickey Golding, writes ALISON LEWIS.

Welsh, of Darlington, was once a promising professional having started with three convincing wins in his three contests, but his career was cut-short after suffering an eye injury and was refused a license to continue fighting in the professional ring.

Instead, Welsh has continued to ply his trade on the 'cobbles' and has remained unbeaten, but as not had a fight for a number of years, but now 'Mad' Mickey Golding from London has laid down the gauntlet.

Golding, similarly has a fearsome reputation, and certainly won't be put off by Welsh's status, particularly in his native north of England.

Golding has been quoted as saying: "I simply won't have it, that some northerner is the top boy on the cobbles. Everyone knows that the best prize fighters all come from London, just look at Lenny Maclean and Roy Shaw. I'll even take Welsh on in his own backyard."

Welsh, not impressed with Golding's comments, responded saying: "I was only six-years-old when Maclean and Shaw were at their peak. I know they couldn't have lived with me now.

"This stuff about Londoner's being the best is absolute fairytales to me - if you believe it you must still think the streets are paved with gold."

So the biggest unlicensed boxing show for years is on.

Welsh gave in to the temptation to get back in action again, particularly after the encouragement of his friend, legendary East End hard man, Danny Woollard.

Promoter, Chris Brooks of LiveFury.com, is the organiser behind this event and it promises to be a night to remember.

Brooks has also obtained exclusive rights to show the event live via the internet - the first time an unlicensed fight will be seen in the UK - log on to Livefury.com.

Over 70% of the tickets were pre-sold as soon as the event was announced. Some tickets may, however, still be available from, Louis'family or the credit card hot-line 01895 273627