THERE was only one thing on John Green’s mind when he stepped into the ring on Sunday at the Stadium of Light, winning the Area title which just slipped through his grasp some nine months previously, writes Peter Mann.

He lost by a point back then and, in another close fought affair, the Darlington-based Middlesbrough fighter edged Hartlepool’s Peter Cope by three for the Northern Area lightweight strap, wrestling it away from his opponent's grasp.

With success comes a big target on his back and Newcastle’s Lewis Ritson has already stated his intent to challenge for it as early as next year as the Glasgow-based fighter looks for a quick move through the ranks.

Green though is just happy to get another ten rounds under his own belt and put behind earlier losses to Cope and the pair’s English super featherweight title holder and conqueror, Andrew Townend.

“That ten rounds was much better than first time around,” said Green. “I still felt that he (Cope) was holding on but I didn’t want to get drawn into that again, I wanted to be constantly pushing forward and work the fight. There was definitely a better game plan we implemented and I stood my ground well.

“There was more than enough in the tank from me and I knew I’d won the fight quite comfortably so I just went for it.”

Alongside trainer Paul Hamilton there was the first appearance of his manager Michael Dicks who went a long way to being a difference-maker for the Boro fighter.

“I usually fight at super featherweight so this wasn’t the original run for me,” Green said. “The first fight was changed last minute to lightweight and with it being for a title it’s the only reason I’ve been fighting at it. I’m a 9st 4 fighter initially and the two with Cope have been at 9st 9 so we’ll have to see what happens next.

“This was also the first time I’ve had my manager (Michael Dicks) in my corner as well, giving me advice. It was great having him and Paul (Hamilton) there as they’ve done a lot with me and its showing as I’ve been totally dedicated to my training in the build-up to the Rumble.”

As well as Ritson marking Green for a potential future opponent there’s also the possibility of a third, rubber match, between Peter Cope and John Green. Who knows as to what the future holds though and if its right for the new area champion, he’ll more than likely be chomping at the bit to take it.

“There’s always the chance of a third between me and Copey but I have to do what’s best for my own career moving forward,” he added.

“As for Ritson, I’ve seen a couple of comments online regards his interest in the title – if it benefits me then who knows what will happen, with either of them.”

Green was ably supported by a good contingent of fans from his Middlesbrough home as well as his sponsors ‘The Jack and Jill Public House’ from Middlesbrough and ‘MJF Cleaning Services’ in Darlington.

Elsewhere on the Phil Jeffries-promoted Summer Rumble 5 there were stoppage victories Sam Best, Jonson McClumpha, Thomas Essomba and debutant Michael Dixon. West Rainton protégé, Tommy Ward got a valuable six rounds under his belt when he defeated Dimitrijs Gutmans on points and there was also wins over four rounds for Basi Razaq, Lewis Ritson and another debutant, Kevin Elliott. The only reverse for a regional combatant saw the returning Gary Fox, appearing for the first time in 16 months, lose on points against journeyman William Warburton.

The night though belonged to Green and his loyal band of merry fans.