Terrier's scrap earns him TV bout

THE MIDLAND BOXING BEAT WITH MIKE LOCKLEY

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SCOTT “Terrier” Melvin has gained instant reward for his victory on Saturday night - a win gained in less than ideal circumstances.

He'll fight on Boxxer’s huge, televised British heavyweight title bill at the Vaillant Live arena, Derby, on October 25. An opponent for the six-rounder has yet to be named.

It’s a prize richly deserved. The Chelmsley Wood fighter went a long way towards saving the weekend’s show at the Holiday Inn, Birmingham Airport.

The 25-year-old was slated to face Karl Sampson over six rounds. But when Sampson unexpectedly pulled out, his team faced a race against time to find a replacement. County Durham's Jordan Ellison - a very useful fighter who's registered his share of upsets - stepped into the breach at 24 hours.

Melvin simply got on with it - despite facing an opponent weighing close to 11st, while he scaled 10st 3lbs, and having the contest clipped to a four-rounder.

The pair uncorked a spirited scrap, with Melvin winning by a 40-37 margin. Ellison really made the local lad work for his win.

Melvin pushed forward in the second, became involved in a third-round tear-up and put things beyond any lingering doubt with a dominant final round.

The former Midlands lightweight champ, with a sole loss in 12, is within touching distance of major title opportunities.

“People forget Scott is a tough lad, too,” manager Jon Pegg said.

“People talk about Ibraheem 'Spider' Sulaimaan, but Scott was 1-1 with him as an amateur in the seniors.