CHRIS LAKEY Lowestoft boxer Paul Davis makes his debut on the professional stage this weekend, and is confident of getting off to a winning start.

CHRIS LAKEY

Lowestoft's Paul Davis makes his debut on the professional stage this weekend, and is confident of getting off to a winning start.

The 27-year-old has been sparring with British Masters light-heavyweight champion Steve Spartacus - and says if he can handle the experienced East Anglian boxer, he can handle fellow pro debutant Phillip Callaghan at the Mercy nightclub in Norwich on Sunday.

“I can't get much better sparring at my weight than Steve Spartacus,” said Davis, 27. “If I can hold my own with him it is a confidence booster for me.”

Davis has been boxing since the age of 11, at Lowestoft ABC, but in recent months has been under the guiding hand of Graham Everett, at the Kickstop gym in Norwich, where his hard work has paid off.

“I have always been quite handy in the amateurs and had a bit of success so it's about time to turn pro,” said Davis. “I am mature enough and wise enough, I have learned my sport so it I about time I gave it a crack. I am really looking forward to it - I have a good backing, those boys from Lowestoft love their boxers.”

Everett says Davis has moved up a notch in recent months.

“Paul is a lad who has come into the gym with a decent amateur career, coming from the excellent Lowestoft gym,” said Everett. “He has worked very, very hard. I have to be honest with you, when he first came here I don't think he particularly had a great deal of self belief but I will say this, he has worked really, really hard. He has been sparring with Steve Spartacus, so you know what sorts of levels he is at. He has come on in leaps and bounds so let's hope he can do it. He has sold tons of tickets to the people of Lowestoft so it's going to be a great day for him.”

Top of the bill on Sunday is a heavyweight clash between Norwich's Sam Sexton and Henry Smith, from Bristol, with local British lightweight title contender Jon Thaxton involved in an exhibition with the unbeaten Nadeem Siddique. There is also a light-welterweight bout between Gavin Deacon and Neil McQuade.

Although all VIP tickets for Sunday's No Mercy show have been sold, there are still other tickets available. Call Sportlink on 01603 868606. Doors open at 3pm with the first bout scheduled for 4pm.

(.) Steve Spartacus is line for a major title shot, should he beat Oldham's Darren Stubbs at the York Hall, Bethnal Green, on October 20.

“If he gets through that fight then he has either a British light-heavyweight fight or a Commonwealth light-heavyweight fight lined up,” said his Fakenham-based manager Neil Sturman.