Scunthorpe boxer Cameron Stevenson aims to end a memorable year with win

Welterweight Cameron Stevenson hopes to sign off his first year as a professional boxer with victory when he returns to the ring next week.

The Scunthorpe fighter, a member of the prestigious St Paul's Boxing Academy in Hull, is part of a three-strong show at Goole Leisure Centre on Friday, November 23, where he features alongside Academy team-mate Zak Collins.

Stevenson has enjoyed a fantastic past 12 months since turning pro at the beginning of December last year.

He has won all four of his fights – one of them by knockout – and admits he has learned some vital lessons as well as enjoying the success.

"It's been really good – I've learned a lot," he said, ahead of his bout in Goole, which was originally scheduled to take place in the first week of November.

"It's gone fast, but at the same time it's gone slowly if you know what I mean.

"When you're in training camps, it seems to drag on forever, with the diets and stuff like that. But my studies have helped my focus.

"I've learned a lot about myself over the past year. Things I wouldn't really admit to, but I apply in my actual character.

"I liked the idea of being a professional sportsman – I still do.

"I know a bit on how the business of boxing is run, I've learned a lot in that regard, and the fact it wasn't what I was expecting has made it a lot more exciting. It's keeping me on my toes.

"I think it's put me in a great frame of mind to take on any sort of challenge in my life, not just a sporting one.

"I'll be able to handle pressures, in terms of my career prospects, a lot better than most people.

"It's been quite informative."

Stevenson, who combines boxing with a sports coaching and performance degree at Hull University, beat Nottinghamshire's Andy Hardy by three points in his last fight during September.

The fact he impressed fans of Goole-born Collins, who tops next week's bill, that night means the 21-year-old is hoping to have home support on his side when he meets an as yet unnamed opponent.

Stevenson is also keen to showcase his talents to a crowd who may not know much about him.

"It's a chance to put on a show for some different people and show them what I'm about, definitely," continued the former Frederick Gough pupil.

"Some of Zak's fans who have travelled over to Hull to watch him have said they liked me as well, so they all like the fact I'm on the show.

"Hopefully they'll get behind me with me being from Scunny.

"A win next week would cap a great year. In terms of results I couldn't really have asked for a lot more.

"In my last fight I had the loudest support of the night, which was crazy, and I was fight of the night as well.

"I think I'm a better fighter than last year.

"It's not just about turning up and having a fight after your training, it affects your whole lifestyle.

"I don't want an opponent to put a dint in my lifestyle so my outlook on the goal is a lot more serious.

"I find that helps me keep my focus, which means I'm putting a lot more effort before a fight into the way I perform.

"In order to put on a good performance, I have to make sure I'm doing everything right in the build up to it."

Stevenson is currently looking for sponsorship to help him further a fast-improving reputation. Contact him on 07972 037644.