Ken Purchase doesn't hang about. He is the newest boxing promoter in the Midlands and his third event was for a world title!! His second was for a British title eliminator and his fourth function will be for the English championship. That is rocket speed by any standards but for Ken Purchase that's the way he operates.

He vowed to put Birmingham back on the boxing map when he was granted his promoter's licence and he is doing that. His first bonanza event was at the famous Birmingham International Conference Centre and he planned for show to entertain a 1,000 dinner audience in the plush surroundings.

Many thought he was off his head. It could not be a success. Purchase knew different. He backed his judgment. He laid on quality boxing through talented Brummie middleweight Wayne Elcock fighting for a revenge victory. He added to the mix a gathering of former boxers and soap opera stars. A quality memorabilia auction and performances from the Blues Bros and the Drifters provided spectacular all-round entertainment.

It was a big success for the Wolverhampton lad whose previous boxing experience was somewhat limited. And now they want more. He "did a bit in the Army" and on one memorable opportunity was invited to spar with John H Stacey who was knocked flat on his arse.

If you believe that...

But the two became very good friends and it was John H who persuaded Ken to promote his first tribute dinner show in Telford featuring the great boxing legend Ken Norton. From that night there was no stopping Ken, he staged events with Richie Woodhall, Steve Collins, Nigel Benn, Sugar Ray Leonard, Ricky Hatton, Tommy "Hitman" Hearns, Roberto Duran, Jake Lamotta to name but a few.

After the great success of these shows Ken was invited to apply for his boxing promoter's licence, which he was granted. In addition to that Purchase has gone into partnership with former world champion Richie Woodhall. Their gym is to be based in the Birmingham area and already they have several young fighters in the stable. The longer term plan is to develop the young talent in Birmingham by staging regular shows at places such as the Villa Events Centre.

And it is all very much a family affair with superb support from wife Elaine, sons; Rikki and Louis and daughter Christie.