Jacobs set for a real cracker

Boxing

Gary Jacobs is enjoying the feel-good factor in his new division and intends to make Kiev's Viktor Fessetchko aware of it at York Hall, Bethnal Green, tonight. Fessetchko will be the second opponent at light-middleweight for Jacobs, who recorded an impressive first-round victory over Birmingham's Jimmy Vincent at the Lewisham Theatre last month, and indicated he still has something to offer after a career of 50 bouts and 15 title fights.

Jacobs, who is managed by Frank Maloney, said: "I firmly believe there is another Gary Jacobs chapter to unfold at light-middleweight. I recently found that making welterweight (10st7lb) was becoming an energy-sapping grind and left me like a shell. It was hell. I've made difficult, sometimes selfish sacrifices to further my boxing career and I believe I'm entitled to another crack at the big one.

"I will not let my aspirations slip. That is why I'm targeting Terry Norris for his WBC [World Council] title, or the WBA [World Association] and WBO [World Organisation] titles of Laurent Boudouani or Ronald Wright. Having knocked on the door against [Pernell] Whitaker, I must set my sights higher. I'm back, I'm going to be champion of the world, it doesn't matter who, where or what title, Frank Maloney is going to get it for me."

Boudouani is well known to Fessetchko. One of the Ukrainian's four defeats in a 31-fight career came in four rounds at the hands of the French world champion in July last year. Another of Fessetchko's setbacks was against the former European welterweight champion Valery Kayumba, which suggests he only loses in the best company.

Jacobs is not looking for any soft touches - and will not be banking on a swift victory - but the Scot should still have too much hitting power and know-how for Fessetchko.

Paul Lloyd, Maloney's Commonwealth bantamweight champion, defends his title against South Africa's Simphiwe Pamana in the top of the bill bout. The Merseysider will be coming off a 101-second confidence-boosting defeat of Lybo Nkoko in a title defence in Cheshunt in February.

Maloney said: "After this we are looking to move Paul on to the European or world stage and he is also leading contender for Drew Docherty's British title."