A SHOT at the Central Area title in October is still on the cards for York cruiserweight Jamie Warters despite his controversial draw against Phil Day.

Although Warters did not produce the most polished of displays at the KC Arena, the Jorvik Warrior looked to have done enough to take a points victory over the erratic Day, only for referee Phil Edwards to score the fight 57-57.

Warters, who was 'gutted' after the decision, will now return to the ring on Thursday, June 12, with a view to fighting for the Central Area cruiserweight title in October and then the British crown next year.

But first Warters will be back in the gym, with manager/trainer Steve Pollard set to dissect last Thursday's performance in great detail in a bid to get his charge firing on all cylinders.

"We are still on course," said Pollard. "Jamie will fight again on Thursday, June 12 against hopefully Michael Pinnock, now that his injury has cleared up, and then we want to have an Area title fight in October.

"I was disappointed with Thursday as I thought Jamie did enough. He landed with the cleaner punches, but it wasn't his best performance. But if he does not perform well and still does not lose, then that is a good sign.

"I just think Jamie was looking for the knockout punch all the time and was trying too hard to land it.

"I want to get him back into the gym and go over a few points where I feel Jamie went wrong. I will go through the weaknesses that I saw, and the strengths, and work on them.

"We are still on for the British title, I just want to go through a few things first."

Warters has twice been lined up to face Birmingham journeyman Pinnock, only for the 'trial horse' fighter to pull out with a neck injury - leading to late call-ups for Darren Ashton and Day for the Warrior's last two fights.

The disruption caused by the withdrawal of Pinnock have not helped the Warrior's preparations, but with the fight now set to happen, he should be more than ready for the challenge.

- THE Rawcliffe Boxing Club will open its doors to would-be young pugilists for the first time tomorrow.

The new club, which has been set up by former York amateur Gary Clapham and will be based out of Canon Lee School, is aimed at teaching boys aged 11 to 17 the basics of the noble art.

Sessions, which cost just £1, will run every Monday and Thursday from 7-9pm.

For more details, please contact Clapham on 01904 638010.

Updated: 11:08 Wednesday, April 23, 2003