Norwich boxers have been told they will not be spoon-fed opponents in order to plump out their fight record.

Promoter Mervyn Turner says the practice does young fighters no good and will inevitably lead to them being found out later in their careers.

Turner is one of the men behind the series of fight nights in the city, the latest of which – Nelson's Warriors – is being held this coming Friday.

Chief support to heavyweight Sam Sexton is fellow Norwich fighter Nathan Dale, whose 13-0 record has been earned the hard way under trainer Graham Everett, with a succession of top-draw opponents.

'So many young prospects these days are fed low grade opposition to pad out their record – unlike so many of these Nathan has had good learning fights especially over his last five contests when at times he has had to dig deep,' said Turner.

'This is testament to the strength and depth of knowledge of his mentor and trainer and faith he has in his young charge. There is little point in feeding poor quality opposition to these young prospects to the extent that is happening these days.

'It does them no good at all and when they have to step up they are not prepared or have the tools and experience to cope and simply get disheartened, disillusioned and are lost to the sport.

'Nathan has had those learning fights, and at times hard fights. He has been through the rigours of a big championship fight so when it comes along he has served his apprenticeship well and will be fully equipped to face the challenges head on.'

As well as Sexton and Dale, the bill features British title hopeful Ryan Walsh, Lowestoft's Craig Poxton – who is coming off the back of his superb victory over Esham Pickering in Leicester – the heavy-hitting Billy Bird, Beccles' Joe Payne and debutant Danny Gunn.

Nelson's Warriors is at Epic Studios, in Magdalen Street, on Friday. For tickets call 07796 206124 or 07933 750010, or visit www.shamrockboxing.co.uk