Weston-based Dean Dodge takes on Sean Davis in what will be the “biggest fight“ of his career on Friday.
The Yeovil-born boxer is so far undefeated and will head to the Wellsprings Leisure Centre in Taunton knowing how important his bout with Davis is.
And Dodge, who says it would 'mean the world' for him to win in his 10th fight says he will go there with no fear.
"With the credentials he's got and what he has done in boxing, it is definitely the biggest fight of my career and if I win this fight, which I'm pretty sure I will, it's going to be a step up the ladder," said Dodge.
"I've had nine fights and they have been learning experiences, every one of them and this fight is to show my skills and what I'm all about."
Dodge recalled his sixth fight with Nathan Kirk, which he describes as his most important so far and how his career has stepped up from that day.
"He had 11 wins and three losses at the time," he added
"So he had more fights than I had wins, fought for a Midlands title as well and I knocked him out in the third round."
But along the way Dodge has sacrificed a lot to be where he is today.
Having originally wanted to be a footballer when he was growing up, 26-year-old Dodge realised he had a talent for boxing and pursued it to the extent where he gave up a few jobs and moved from Yeovil to Weston, fighting for his dream.
"I used to be a plasterer, work in a factory, but I had to give that up to chase my dream," said Dodge, who now does in work in PT sessions as a one-on-one coach.
"If I was working and boxing full time I just wouldn't be able to do it. Dean (Lewis), my coach, we tried to do it before but we were both too exhausted, having a go at each other. It just wasn't working out."
But, Dodge, who has been a pro for two years, is grateful to have Dean Lewis in his corner, who has helped him by putting up him and talks about the hard work they have done to put on this bout.
"He's been a great role model and one of my best mates," added Dodge. "I've been living with Dean the last two years now in Weston.
"He gave me a room to rent, I live with his family, with his missus. For him to do that, he must believe a lot in me."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here