Des Bowater is playing the waiting game

The undefeated super featherweight boldly predicted he would win a world title when he turned over to the paid ranks last May, with four straight victories since.

'The Wednesfield Warrior' goes up against experienced Mansfield-based Latvian Pavels Senkovs on Saturday March 1, in what he expects to be his last four-rounder.

The 22-year-old still has lofty ambitions, but has realised it could be a slow-burn process to get to the top as he learns his trade.

He said: "Biding my time is probably the hardest thing for me. It's best not to rush as, at this stage of my career, a defeat can turn you from a prospect into a journey man overnight.

"It's about patience and improving. My style is now more pro than 'amateur' and that only comes with fights.

"As much as I want the big fights and titles now, I know I have got to rein myself in and keep improving over time.

"I'm more than ready to fight for six rounds. This will be my last four-rounder and then I will start stepping things up to six rounds. It's a balancing act."

Senkovs is a true 'journey man' of the division. Despite being just two years older than 'D Bow,' he's been involved in 77 paid contests and has only ever been stopped twice.

Bowater said: "He's tall and comes forward. That's good for me, as he will just walk onto my shots. I have boxed four different styles in my first four fights and Senkovs will be something different, too.

"He will just come forward and brawl. It's good to fight different styles, as it helps me improve my ring-craft."

Show sponsors Grosvenor Casino will be staging a fun casino on the night, with games like roulette and black jack. All proceeds will benefit the Carers Trust and Amphion Boxing Club.

Tickets, priced at £30 and £60 ringside, are available from the Town Hall Box Office on 0845 111 2900. The after-show party is at the Pitch Sports Bar and Grill on Bridge Street in Walsall.