Paul Hilz gets British Challenge belt shot on September 23

Former unlicensed boxer Paul Hilz (2-2) will be back in action on September 23 rd at Grays Civic Hall in Essex to contest for the British Challenge super-middleweight belt following an extended absence from the ring.

The 35-year- old from Basildon will meet the experienced Lewis van Poetsch (4-45) over eight three-minute rounds for the British Challenge super-middleweight honours on a Carl Greaves Promotions show in his home county of Essex.

It will be Hilz’s second crack at the strap, previously falling short in a narrow points loss to Scott

Douglas (2-3- 2) in December 2015 – his last outing in the square ring.

“Same thing that I fought before,” stated Hilz. “I’m really grateful that Carl [Greaves] got me another shot at it and I’ll pay him and my trainer Kevin Lilley back with a win on the night.”

The previous bout provided the six-foot- tall 168-pounder with his second eight-round contest, also doubling up as his maiden title fight with the very same belt on the line.

Hilz’s next opponent – 25-year- old ‘Poochi’ from Gloucestershire – will be entering into his 16 th bout of the year against the heavily-supported home fighter.

Boasting twice as many wins as Hilz, van Poetsch is essentially a journeyman but carries a vaster

experience with him into the contest.

Two of his four victories came against unbeaten prospects, so the soon-to- be 50-fight veteran, who has shared the ring with English, British and Commonwealth champions, will be a real threat for Hilz on the night.

Despite Hilz’s 10-month hiatus, the super-middleweight has been keeping himself in peak condition in anticipation of booking his next fight date.

“By the time I fight in September, it’ll be almost 10-months out,” the father of four confirmed. “I’ve

been in the gym the whole time and I have kept myself in good shape, probably about 75 per cent

fight-fit the whole time.

“I’ve had a year off before when I had all my belts in the unlicensed scene and I felt like I had fought just three months before. I always keep my fitness up so I don’t have to pick myself up off the floor, if you know what I mean.”

Hilz has been quietly honing his craft in the Elite Gym in Essex, and sparring with unbeaten prospect Ted Cheeseman as well as the WBA International middleweight champion John Ryder.

“Did six rounds with Ted Cheeseman and then another six with John Ryder on the first week of

training, so it was a great start to the camp,” he said. “I should be doing some more with both of them as the camp goes on.

“I think my fitness will be on another level since my last fight,” he continued. “I’ve also sparred with

Tey Lynn-Jones before his last fight, even been sparring heavyweights because I’m happy to put the work in and mix it up whether it’s a lightweight or a heavyweight.”

The popular fighter built up a large fan-base in the thriving unlicensed boxing scene in Essex, winning 12 of 14 fights and picking up both the IBA British and European cruiserweight titles.

He is anticipating bringing a large crowd to the next fight in September, “I booked 150 tickets for this next one so I’ve got good expectations.

“I always do over 100 tickets anyway and I’ve made a few new fans since my last fight.”

For tickets to the show please call: 07956 723 636

Paul Hilz would like to thank his sponsors Timebomb Tattoos, Fountain Fotos, Ripped Gym and PR

Manager Tim Rickson