Burton Welterweight, Tom Shaw, has been inspired by sparring British title hopefuls Jason Welborn and Martin Gethin.

The rookie fighter (8-0) has been preparing for his appearance on the undercard of Frankie Gavin versus Jason Wellborn and Martin Gethin versus Ben Murphy at Walsall Town Hall on Friday, 18th January  by stepping in with the highly-rated pair.

Welborn and Gethin fight for the British Welterweight and British & Commonwealth Lightweight titles respectively and, after intense sparring sessions with the duo, 22 year-old Shaw is hoping to follow in their footsteps.

“It has been great,” he told . “It makes you realise that big fights are achievable and makes you hungry for your own bit of success.

“To be sparring with them makes it all seem real. It makes me realise that, if I work hard, I can achieve things in boxing. It’s all good experience.

“Gethin is relentless. He just keeps coming forward. Welborn is the opposite, he’s a real power puncher. He’s a strong, strong lad.”

Shaw, undefeated since turning professional in 2011, faces Mark McKray (3-17-1) in what will be his ninth fight to date.

Training out of the same stable as Welborn and Gethin – Errol Johnson’s Wednesbury-based gym – Shaw is ready to impress in front of a capacity crowd. After five straight points victories in 2012, he is in confident mood .

“It’s going to be a really good night,” he continued. “I’ve got a coach load of friends and family coming to the show and everyone is looking forward to it.

“I’m proud to be supporting Jason and Martin. Martin is favourite to beat Ben Murphy for the lightweight title, and I think he will. If Jason sets traps for Frankie Gavin and catches him with his power shot then he’s got a real chance too.

“I don’t know too much about McKray. He won his last fight by knockout and I’ve seen a few clips on Youtube but I’m not concentrating on him; I’m concentrating on my game.

“I’m just counting down the days for the fight now.”

The fight takes place on promoter Frank Warren's first show of 2013 - in association with Midlands promoter Errol Johnson – at Walsall Town Hall on Friday, 18th January.

The show is a sell-out but it is also live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky Ch. 437/Virgin Ch. 546). To subscribe, visit .

Walsall Town Hall Box Office - 0845 111 2900 – have started a waiting list should more tickets become available.