Adam Barker, the former captain of Smallholdings Boxing Club in Morden, makes his professional bow on Saturday when he faces Danny Donchev at Tolworth Recreation Centre.

The 23-year-old super welterweight from Carshalton has fought 32 times on the amateur scene, winning 25 times, and he believes it is the perfect preparation to join the paid ranks.

Donchev is unlikely to prove too testing as the 41-year-old, who lives in Rosehill, has faced 95 opponents in a 16-year career, losing 88 times - however, Barker is not taking anything for granted.

He said: "I’ve done some great sparring sessions, not only with Jamie [Carley, stable-mate], but also with Bradley Skeete ahead of his upcoming title defence.

"I’m hoping to get at least a Southern Area title shot by the end of next year, but the main goal is that British title, the Lord Lonsdale belt.

"I don’t want to be stuck doing six or eight round contests for too long, I do those in the gym all the time with Jamie."

He added: “I’m not arrogant, far from it, just confident in my own abilities and I can only beat who has been put in front of me.”