Darlington boxer Argie Ward finally gets a crack at the British bantamweight championship when he takes on undisputed title-holder Martin Power on Tuesday.
The bout was originally scheduled to take place two months ago, only for Ward's opponent to cancel the fight just five days prior to the contest, blaming a shoulder injury.
If Ward was to win at the York Hall, Bethnal Green, in London, he would become the first Darlington professional boxer to hold a British title.
But in East London-based Power he faces a stern test as his opponent has recorded 18 straight wins as a professional.
Ward, 29, who trains at Neil Fannan's gym in Hartlepool, boasts a proud record himself, being unbeaten in 15 contests, including two draws, but has stopped just one opponent, while Power includes seven stoppages in his 18 wins.
Power's withdrawal in March enraged Ward, who was disappointed that a gruelling three-month training schedule came to nothing and accused his opponent of running scared.
"I've calmed down a bit since then," said Ward.
"I was annoyed the fight had been cancelled. You give so much up. You sacrifice going out, what you have to eat and you're in bed for nine o'clock every night to keep yourself right.
"I had dedicated three months of my life to the fight and to have it cancelled does your head in. But these things happen."
Tuesday's fight will take place ten weeks after the original date and Ward said: "I was hoping for an April date, rather than sometime in May.
"At the end of the day we're both fighters and it does not matter what he's done to me or I've done to him, we both want to win. I don't give in to anybody and I'll be as hungry as ever."
Power's trainer Johnny Eames is confident his fighter will successfully come through Tuesday's bout and does not rate Ward's chances.
He said: "Ward may have an unbeaten record after 15 pro fights but he still looks very amateurish to me," said Eames.
"I think Martin will have too much for him and will win inside the distance."
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