The Firewalker gym, in Wolverhampton, reports that final preparations are going exactly to plan for Michelle Newell's eagerly awaited crack at the World Super-Atomweight Thai Boxing title this Sunday, March 15. Joby Clayton, Newell's trainer at Firewalker, says that despite the frustration of Michelle's last two contests getting cancelled, his fighter has prepared meticulously for this world title bout against the Frenchwoman Lucy Mairot, at Wolverhampton Racecourse. He commented: "Not surprisingly, Michelle is up against a dangerous and determined opponent, so she's going to have to fight like she's never done before. Lucy Mairot has won the World Amateur title twice, so she's got a very good pedigree". He added: "It's going to be a very tense and potentially brutal encounter, but I know Michelle can handle this big step-up into the world spotlight." Newell, 37, should have been in action at the Civic Hall, in November, but the whole show had to be cancelled when one of the fighters in the headline bout was stranded in Thailand due to the political unrest. The fitness instructor then saw a fight fall through in Australia, yet she appears completely un-phased. "I'm always training, and train very hard, six days per week," said Michelle. "So, it wasn't like I had trained just to get in shape for those fights. I'm always in shape." She added: "I know I have to prepare mentally though, but this chance to become world champion isn't something I need to psyche myself up for. I'm ready." The March 15 World Championship Thai Boxing show at Wolverhampton Racecourse starts at 6.30pm (doors open at 5.30pm). Tickets from The Firewalker Health Club (01902 311800) or from Wolverhampton Racecourse (01902 390029), with tickets priced from £22 (adults) and £12 (children). VIP (£50) are also available. * Promoters of the event, Showsport International, have ensured that all winners from November's Civic Hall competition (run in conjunction with the Adnews) have been issued with new tickets for Sunday's show.This includes the main prize winners (The Sund family) who have been looking forward to their VIP limousine trip to the event. | 
