A PERFORATED eardrum has put paid to Steven Pearce’s hopes of fighting this weekend.

The Stourbridge scrapper was due to headline Black Country Boxing’s Independence Day show at Walsall Town Hall this weekend.

However, the 30-year-old has aggravated the injury he picked up in his last contest against Amir Unsworth.

“It’s a shame because I was looking forward to getting back in there,” he said. “I aggravated it in sparring and, with me being made mandatory for the Midlands Title; it’s not worth risking. I’m not concerned in the long term.”

Pearce has been slated to take on the winner of Rob Hunt and Amir Unsworth, who meet in Cannock on Saturday, July 11.

Neither man holds any fear for Pearce, who has beaten them both in recent times. Pearce stopped Stafford’s Hunt at Walsall Town Hall in November 2013 before doing exactly the same to Unsworth, again in Walsall, as recently as April.

“I’ve held that belt before and I’ll look to hold it again. I’ll start my camp for that one soon, so I’ll be in great shape.”

Independence Day goes ahead without Pearce.

Walsall’s Dan Breeze makes a first appearance in his hometown. The exciting middleweight will be looking to extend his unbeaten start to life as a professional when he takes on York’s Dean Croft.

Fellow Walsall fighter, Luke Paddock, is also in action. The Midlands Area Light Welterweight champion warms up for a maiden defence of his strap by taking on Melksham’s Liam Richards.

Wolverhampton middleweight Ben Wilkes is back in action. The 28 year-old returned to the ring earlier this year after a near five-year absence. The Black Country boxer steps in with Birmingham-based Fabrice Mpata.

Ludlow light middleweight Craig Morris returns to the scene of his successful debut earlier this year as he looks to record a second professional victory when he locks horns with Latvia’s Viktor Drizlionoks.

Redditch super middleweight Carl Dickens is also on the bill as he steps in with Halesowen-based Kevin McAuley.

West Bromwich Debutants Jack Summers and Matthew Gordon, complete the card. Super featherweight Summers debuts against Sheffield’s Qassim Hussain and Heavyweight Gordon begins life in the paid ranks against Leeds’ James Oliphant.

All contests are over four rounds.

To coincide with American Independence Day, a range of USA inspired food and drink will be available throughout. Tickets, priced at £30 and £60 Ringside, are available from Walsall Town Hall Box Office on 0845 111 2900.