UNBEATEN South Devon professional Ben Wakeham broke off from training this week to dot the i's and cross the t's on his new deal with Hatton Promotions, fronted by former world lightweight champion Ricky 'The Hitman' Hatton.

It's involved the 20-year old welterweight buying out his contract under Bristol-based manager Chris Sanigar, which had another five months to run, but has opened the way for Wakeham to have three more fights this year and possibly box every two months after that.

This week's signing took place in Bristol under the watchful eyes of Wakeham's new manager, Tex Woodward, and five times former women's world welterweight champion Jane Couch, now Boxing Co-ordinator for Hatton Promotions in the South West.

In fact, it was the one time 'Fleetwood Assassin' who spoke with the Herald Express yesterday after the contract had been finalised.

"Ben was clearly not happy with having enough fights (five) since turning professional on his 18th birthday, which is where we can hopefully help his career," said Couch.

"Our next show is in Wales on July 24, and we'll try and get Ben on if his latest medical receives the all clear.

"If not, we'll certainly try and get him a couple of fights before the end of the year, because Tex (Woodward) sees him as potential for a Western Area title.

"We already have some talented boxers signed up, including Western Area middleweight champion Danny Butler, so there's plenty of sparring available when Ben comes to Bristol.

"He also has good sparring partners where he trains in Paignton, so it's a chance for us to bring some of our boxers down there to help when Ben needs it."

Wakeham, a roofer from Torquay, hopes his medical all-clear comes through in time to box on Hatton Promotions next show in Newport, when Butler will be defending his title against Welshman Paul Samuels.

It's why he's in strict training right now under trainer-coach Paul Guy at the Paignton Pro-Am gym.

Commented Guy: "We've just completed the first half of a six-week programme ahead of July 24, with Ben really keyed up to box.

"His last fight was in March when he stopped Adam Farrell (Swansea) in three rounds, and you can sense the frustration at not having fought since then.

"It's not easy to keep a boxer in peak condition all that time, and there have been occasions when Ben has been told to leave off and chill out while still ticking over.

"He's still only 20, however, and it's only now that his power is beginning to develop. The Farrell fight was his first stoppage win, but there will be more as he matures and gets what we call his man strength.

"Hatton Promotions are putting on between four and five shows before the end of the year, so hopefully Ben will figure on three at least before the end of December."