Triumph-ant return for Vale

Vale, who was still feeling the effects of running 1hr 36min for the Great North Run, was forced to employ a more measured approach against Stratford’s Jamie Jenkins in order to reach the Warwickshire showpiece.

Jenkins was warned twice for holding in the second round and was subjected to two standing counts in the third as Vale increased the tempo.

The referee finally halted the fight a minute into the fourth round when Vale again caught Jenkins, who was already suffering with a bloodied nose.

Vale’s success caps a memorable few weeks for the all-action fighter who picked up two trophies at Cleary’s annual awards night.

Vale won the Dick Turpin trophy for the most improved boxer and also the boxers’ boxer trophy.

Nav Singh Manku, meanwhile, won the best boxer award.

The trophies were presented by Nick Davies, who is one of the country’s leading sports psychologists.

Davies, who has worked with Olympic gold medallist Nicola Adams and alongside Team GB coach Bob Dillon, is currently working at Cleary’s while he adds to his boxing qualifications.

As part of his link-up with the gym, he will be holding a Power of The Mind seminar at Cleary’s ABC in Wise Street at 2pm on Saturday October 13.

 Doors open at the Assembly at 7pm for tonight’s 14-fight card, with the boxing starting at 8pm.

In addition to debuts for super-heavyweight Paul Dable and Warwick fighter Greg Bell, there will also be a number of skills bouts featuring novice youngsters.

Tickets are still available, costing £10.