HIGHAMS Park-based boxer Wayne Chisholm is hoping to be crowned World Independent Boxing Association (IBA) cruiserweight champion tonight, when he faces Dan Downer in a 12 round contest at the Circus Tavern in Purfleet.

The 40-year-old (pictured) who holds the British cruiserweight and Southern Area light-heavyweight title, will lock horns with British super middleweight champion Downer.

And while Chisholm might be in the veteran stage of his career, he faces a hard contest against a man who has been put through his paces by Nigel Benn's former manager Peter Defreitas.

But he believes his own preparation work will allow him to finish the job in style. He said: "Obviously Dan is probably one of the hardest opponents I've faced, "But I feel that I'm in the best shape of my life to win this fight. I've done a lot of good sparring with my brother Lee as well as Paul Kavanagh.

"Noel Teirney who runs the KO Gym in Walthamstow has also helped me with some first class pad work.

"So while I'm fairly confident of getting this contest finished early, I'm well prepared if it goes the 12 rounds."

Also featuring on the bill are Paul Morton, who has been trained at RJ's Gym in Chingford by Rod Julian, for his Southern Area cruiserweight title fight against Victor Smith.

The evening's boxing also includes the Alan Motlock-managed Colin Butch' Goldhawk in his last ever IBA heavyweight contest before turning professional.

Tickets for the show are still available, but for more information contact Mortlock on 07930 494396.