TONIGHT cannot come soon enough for 'Jorvik Warrior' Jamie Warters as he gears himself up for his second fight in a fortnight.
The York cruiserweight's career has been one plagued by inactivity since he turned professional in 1995, but that is all changing now under the guidance of Steve Pollard and Warters wants to make up for lost time.
Pollard, who guided Paul Ingle to two featherweight word titles, is making sure there is no let upfor Warters as he attempts to negotiate his way to a shot at least at the British crown.
And not even the late withdrawal of scheduled opponent, 37-year-old Michael Pinnock, can stop the Warters' bandwagon with Phil Day stepping in to face the Warrior at the KC stadium tonight.
As reported in yesterday's Evening Press, Daventry's Day will replace Pinnock on the six-fight card after the Birmingham journeyman pulled out of meeting Warters for the second time in a fortnight.
But, no matter who the opponent, Warters is ready to show his is getting back the sharpness and punching power that made him such a fearsome opponent as an amateur.
And having comfortably seen off Pinnock's first replacement, Darren Ashton, with a six-round points victory over at the Willerby Manor a fortnight ago, he is aiming to treat his loyal - and vocal - York following to a knockout show to underline his return.
"Things have gone well in training," said Warters. "I haven't had a great deal of time to do too much because I only fought a fortnight ago, so Steve has just been getting me ready.
"I just can't wait for tonight and, God-willing, things will go well so we can move on.
"I've been up to Oliver's Mount sprinting to improve my fitness with Ray Simpson. He trained Paul Ingle as an amateur, and is a good friend of mine who helps me out.
"My biggest problem has been shaking of the rust after being out for a while, but I feel good now and I just want to get out there know and put on a show for my fans. The support they give when you are in the ring gives you a real buzz."
Updated: 10:45 Thursday, April 17, 2003
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