Melvin vows put on a masterclass in the return with Cheema

Melvin…faces the only man to beat him. Picture: Boxxer/Chris Dean

THERE’S a real gem on the MVP’s major show at the bp pulse LIVE arena in Birmingham on August 29.

How about this for a cracker. Scott Melvin, one of the Midlands most underrated fighters, will face the only man to beat him as a pro – Coventry’s Dylan Cheema. The venue is suitably significant. They’ll fight on the undercard of MVP’s glittering UK v US tournament.

The stakes are significantly high. I understand the Commonwealth silver lightweight title is up for grabs. For both men, it’s a must win.

A lot of water has flowed under the bridge since Cheema outpointed Melvin, the Chelmsley Wood boxer’s only loss in 13.

Back in 2022, Cheema – then unknown and a mere raw novice – beat Melvin by split decision over three rounds in Boxxer’s lucrative lightweight tournament. He went on to win the whole thing, gain a gilt-edged promotional contract and be thrust on major TV shows.

Things went awry after that. Dylan lost a couple, took a two year break, then mounted a comeback. After two wins, he faced Kirk Stevens for the Midlands super-lightweight belt in April and lost narrowly on points.

Melvin has won all seven since – including a war with Mykey Lee-Broughton for the Midlands belt.

Cheema…coming off a Midlands title loss. Picture: Manjit Narotra/BCB

Scott is burning to put the record straight. “The first fight it was my own fault – I left it much too late. I was too relaxed, I thought it would be easy, I didn’t have that fear factor.”

He’s not surprised Cheema lost his way a little after the shock tournament success. “He wasn’t ready, he didn’t have the experience. He was perfect for three rounds, he wasn’t ready for the next level. I lost over three rounds, I’ll get my revenge over the proper professional distance.”

Melvin’s certainly pulling out all the stops. “I’m away from my missus, I’m away from my kids,” he said. “For the first time ever, I’ve got a nutritionist on board, I’ve gone part-time at work. I’m locked in, I’ve got a sports psychologist, I’m leaving no stone unturned.

“It’s now or never for me – I’ve got to go for it and I feel I can. The only person who can stop me is myself. I’m not underestimating him, I know he’ll be coming in hungry. But this is my opportunity to change my life with just one fight.”

He added: “I feel undefeated again. I’m going to go in there and do my thing. I’m going to put on a masterclass.”