TRAINER Paddy Fitzpatrick has revealed he and Ryan Martin opted to turn down a shot at the Southern Area title in order to stick to their current plan.

The welterweight will be headlining a home show later this year, as Neilson Boxing and Trifecta promote their ‘Kings of the Ring’ show at MECCA on Saturday, December 8.

With another show in the pipeline for March next year, Ferndale Road-based trainer Fitzpatrick says it made little sense to rehash their plans for Martin in order to pursue the Southern Area title.

Martin currently has a record of 10-2 and was matched with either Chris Kongo or Louis Adolphe for the strap.

Martin’s team elected to turn down that opportunity as they believe the former Walcot ABC member is currently pursuing the right path.

“Ryan is the main event for the December show and we got offered a shot at the Southern Area title for him at the end of November,” said Fitzpatrick.

“That would have been against either Chris Kongo or his stablemate Louis Adolphe. That is all well and good, but we have plans in December.

“Then we are going into a big home show in March. So when you have a plan in place, the only reason to change that is if there is an opportunity which will fast forward the plan or lead to something greater.

“Ryan has made lots and lots of progress this year and it’s great for him to be able to show that on a home show where he is main event again.

“We are sticking with the plan we have.”

Fitzpatrick admits it was a difficult decision to decline the shot at the title, but says it is a positive sign that Martin is being considered for such contests.

“His name is in the mix and he’s out there,” said Fitzpatrick.

“He’s 10-2 now and we can get him to 11-2 by Christmas. He has a very TV friendly record, he has an excellent entertaining style and he’s now ready to go in and face the best in Britain.”

Alongside Martin, Bec Connolly, Harry Webb, Brad Townsend and other local fighters are all due to feature on the December show.