JASON Welborn reckons Black Country rival Ryan Aston is going through a confidence crisis - and fears he may not turn up for next month's big fight.

Welborn defends his Midlands Area light-middleweight title against Aston on the 'You Asked For It' show at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall on Saturday, June 6.

Welborn has ambitions to challenge for British honours for a third time, but before that can happen, the 29 year-old from Rowley Regis has to prove he's the Black Country's No 1 in front of what's sure to be a sell-out crowd.

He's fired up for the big fight after being annoyed by comments Aston has made.

Welborn, beaten by Liam Smith in a British-title challenge last July, said: "Ryan was asked why he wasn't taking the fight last year and he said he didn't need to fight me.

"He said he was looking for bigger and better things.

"But he hasn't even won the Midlands title yet - and I've won four Midlands title fights.

"He's never been in with a champion before and he's never made the championship weight before either.

"I'm sure he will make the weight, but he has to do it properly and feel comfortable at the weight

"I've done that before - and I've fought at a good level.

"I know Ryan and I know he doesn't really believe in himself. Even though everyone slaps him on the back and tells him how great he is, I know he lacks confidence. I just hope he turns up on the night.

"I don't need this fight. I don't need to defend my Midlands title again, but there's been a lot of talk about this fight and I want to give the fans what they want - and get him out of the way.

"I have to be beating these kids if I'm going to get another British-title shot.

"It's a big fight for both of us.

"If he loses to me, where's he going to go?

"I've sparred him loads of times, but what happened in sparring doesn't really matter. It's about who has the biggest heart when we've got the 10 ounce gloves on.

"We will see how he copes with the pressure."

However, Aston reckons brains rather than brawn will decide the fight.

"My boxing brain will win me the fight," said the 24 year-old southpaw from Dudley. "I'm convinced of that. I've got a few more tools than he has.

"Jason has a good punch and if he gets you on the ropes, you're in danger. The plan is to stay off the ropes and control the fight."

Aston is unbeaten in 10 fights (two draws) since Curtis Valentine beat him in a clash for the vacant Midlands Area light-middleweight title three year ago.

Aston says his "mind wasn't right" for that fight and added: "I'm ready to step up again.

"It's a big fight, the sort of fight I need to put a fire in my belly.

"We've sparred before, I've watched him fight and I know a lot about him.

"I'm sure I will get the tactics right."

Welborn-Aston is one of four Midlands-title fights on PJ Rowson's show. The vacant Midlands Area super-middleweight title is up for grabs when all-action Andrew Robinson and Prince Dave Davis clash, Luke Paddock defends his light-welterweight strap against Chris Truman in a Black Country-Birmingham derby and Des Bowater and Bobby Jenkinson meet for the vacant Midlands Area featherweight title.

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