Massey gears up for test number two

Massey impressed on his debut fight against Jody Meikle in July and now heads to the Reebok in Bolton on Saturday to face Sheffield’s Will Burkin.

The 20-year-old from Chapel says he has been hard at work under the watchful eye of trainer Bobby Rimmer in preparation for his second outing in the paid ranks.

He told the Advertiser: “Training’s been going well and I feel as though I gained a lot from my debut fight.

“It was totally different to how it is in the amateurs.

“I had to get used to having no headguard for instance, but I feel as though I’ve adapted to it really well.”

Massey also says that he has been going through sparring partners at a rapid rate.

He said: “I’ve had plenty of sparring partners in the lead-up to the fight.

“In fact I’ve been running out of people to spar with!”

As far as Burkin is concerned, Massey admits to focussing more on his own build-up to the bout rather than worrying over his opponent.

He added: “I don’t really know a great deal about him but I know that his style suits me.

“From what I’m told he doesn’t change his approach, so I’m confident going into this fight that I’ll win.”

Burkin, also entering his second professional bout, has a unique background as a Thai boxer.

He said: “I don’t take part in Thai Boxing anymore. Once I got the buzz of boxing then that was it for me.

“I took part in sparring one day and fancied a change and it just escalated from there really.”

• For tickets ring David Massey on 07968 291598.