Northampton boxer Ben ready to deliver on tough debut

The 23-year-old from Northampton asked to be matched tough on his debut – and management team MTK have granted his wish.

He meets Robbie Chapman over six rounds.

Most debutants would be eased into professional boxing with a four-round fight against a journeyman

But Fail meets a 26-year-old with a winning record who has fought at championship level.

Chapman, known as ‘The Camden Caretaker,’ lasted into the seventh round when he challenged heavy-handed Brad Pauls for the Southern Area middleweight championship last November.

Fail said: “I spoke to my management and told them: ‘I don’t want to fight a punch bag who’s going to let me hit them and not hit me back.’

“I don’t want to fight journeymen and drop down to their level. I want an opponent that motivates me. I know he is coming to fight and I need to be at my best to beat him.

“People might look at the match and think I’m crazy, but I suppose they have to find out sooner or later!”

The fight is on the undercard of a huge Sky Sports-televised show and gives Fail the chance to get noticed by a huge audience.

“I know it takes time to build a name,” he said, “but by taking this fight I am letting everyone know that I’m game, I’m not scared of anyone and I want good challenges.

“This is a chance for me to show what I’m all about – and it’s a massive chance for him as well.

“This is a big platform for both of us.”

Fail is disappointed that, because of Covid restrictions, Far Cotton coach John Daly won’t be in the corner with him this week.

He said: “I’m only allowed one cornerman and I’m gutted John won’t be there. He was in my corner for my first amateur bout when I was 12 years old and he’s been there with me for every step of the way since.

“But there’s nothing I can do about it and he will be in my corner for all my future fights.”

Daly added “I’ve always thought Ben and his twin Carl would one day be British champions and this week is the next step.

"Ben is made for the pro game.

"I hope everyone in Northampton gets behind him and Carl because they are nice lads who work very hard.”