Nathan Dale says he can't wait to escape the 'hell' of training camp and fulfil his dream in the boxing ring.

The 22-year-old's preparations haven't been helped by three would-be opponents pulling out ahead of Saturday's fight night in Norwich.

Promoter Mervyn Turner admits his nerves have been tested and he has now turned his attentions to Europe, bringing in Michal Dufek from the Czech Republic to take on Dale for the British Masters International light-welterweight belt.

'Michal Dufek has a record of 10 wins and three losses and has been in with some top guys with over 20 fights to their names fighting for national titles and the WBC Baltic title,' said Turner. 'Dufek is not an easy fight for anyone to take, especially at short notice, but that is the mark of young Nathan as he is willing to step in with anyone.

'There is risk in this fight, but that is now the name of the game and we are sure Nathan will do the business.'

Dale is confident of beating anyone on a home show - this one alongside Norwich City football hero turned boxer Leon McKenzie.

'To be honest, I just can't wait to get into the ring because it's hell in there,' said Dale, who trains under the watchful eyes of Graham Everett at the city's Kickstop Gym. 'I have had some top quality sparring and I'm always in with people like Ryan and Liam Walsh, and they don't come better than that. It is hard work, really hard work, but I couldn't be in better nick - going into the ring next Saturday will be the easy bit, the part of it all that we all enjoy.'

Dale is an avid Canaries fan – his uncle, Keith Webb, was on the coaching staff for many years – and expects Saturday's show at Epic studios in Magdalen Street, to be one to remember. 'Leon is one of my heroes and I am absolutely delighted to be on the same bill as him,' he said.