SCOTT “Terrier” Melvin has gained instant reward for his victory on Saturday night – a win gained in less-than-ideal circumstances.
He will 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 is 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 has registered his share of upsets – stepped in to 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.
Scott 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.
“What can he achieve? If he stays in the gym, definitely a British title. He’s got the right mentality, he can become a bit distracted, but we’re working on that.”
He added: “As far as Scott’s concerned, we’re ready to go.”
Melvin has certainly earned his stripes – and that mental toughness showed in his 2023
Midlands title fight with Mykey Lee Broughton.
Trailing on points, he kept driving forward and stopped Broughton with only seconds remaining.
His only loss came via three round split decision to Dylan Cheema in a televised knockout tournament. He’d outpointed unbeaten Eastside stablemate Tion Gibbs in the earlier round.
In a recent interview, Melvin told me: “One hundred per cent, I want to take risks. “I want it all, I want it as soon as possible. I want the British title.”
