Terrier Melvin ready for a major title test

Scott Melvin….back at the Holiday Inn, Birmingham Airport, on Saturday

SCOTT Melvin, a boxer blessed with the talent to reach the top, took a break from training and said breathlessly: “Hard times don’t last, strong people do.”

YOU have to feel for the Chelmsley Wood “Terrier”, a lightweight still waiting for the major breakthrough fight his ability deserves.  To date, it’s been a frustrating journey for Melvin, with injuries and cancelled bouts slowing his career.

On Saturday, at Birmingham Airport’s Holiday Inn, Melvin he has his first fight since February, with Karl Sampson – a very solid, “have a go journeyman” - in the opposite corner. It’s scheduled for six rounds.

For Sampson, it’s a quick return to arms: last weekend he was outpointed by Coventry’s Dylan Cheema.

For Melvin, with only one loss in 11 – and that came in a three round knockout tournament – it appears a fairly routine “blowing away cobwebs” bout while the hunt for something substantial continues.

The 25-year-old, an accomplished box-fighter, has earned the right to a big fight. In 2023, he showed real championship grit to come from behind and halt Mykey Lee Broughton in the dying seconds of a Midlands title thriller.

“It’s a bit frustrating,” Melvin admitted. “I want to step-up and be in the big fights. Getting up for these fights (against opponents such as Sampson) can be difficult at times – getting through the hard graft of the day.

“I have to stay connected and committed and remember what I’m doing this for. You have to look at the bigger picture and the big fights to come and I know they will come.

“We’re started to get a few offers.”

Melvin revealed an offer to face an unbeaten fighter in France has been received as is being considered.

“One hundred per cent, I want to take risks,” he added. “I want it all, I want it as soon as possible. I want the British title.

“It is going to happen for me. I’ve put too much into this not to carry on. I’ve been doing it for 15 years and I’m going to see it through.”