“IT is another great opportunity for George to shine.”

Those were the words of York boxing legend Henry Wharton as his young protege George Davey prepares for his first bout back in front of fans since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.

Davey boxed twice behind-closed-doors during the lockdowns, taking his professional record to four wins from as many fights in the process, ahead of Saturday’s bout.

The 23-year-old will box over six rounds at the Birmingham Arena on another major bill - promoted by his Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren - with four title fights on the card.

It is almost two years since Davey last boxed in front of his travelling York fans - or, indeed, any kind of crowd - and it is an experience that his trainer Wharton is relishing.

“It’s a breath of fresh air,” he said.

“I’ve been out a few times since fans have come back and even know it gets to us that the people are back watching.

“We have realised what we have missed.

"The world has been upside-down for some time and thankfully now it looks like we’re coming out of it, it looks like we’re getting back to normal.

“But it’s still a shock to the system (to see fans) and it shows something that we had taken for granted.”

Davey has been matched tough so far in his burgeoning professional career, surprisingly boxing fighters with winning records in his last two contests.

He was due to box unbeaten Kent prospect Jack Ewbank this weekend, but a recent stoppage defeat looks to have enforced a change in opponent. A replacement is yet to be announced.

Discussing Davey’s matchmaking, Wharton explained that he was eager to test his young charge early in his career ahead of the title fights that he foresees for him.

He said: “With George, if I were to take my foot off the gas and put him in with - not meaning to undermine anybody - routine journeymen, which is a stage that a lot of fighters don’t get past, I don’t want him to get stuck in the mud.

“We’re stepping him up nicely, not too much, not too harsh, but still good fights on paper.

“I want him to step in to the gym every time and be there to learn.

“He’s not just there to get fit, we’re not a fitness gym, we’re a boxing gym and I want George to gain in experience all the time so that when he does come up against it, he’s not found wanting, which a lot of people in the past have.”

While Wharton is eager for Davey to impress this weekend, he also has an eye on the future for his unbeaten prospect.

“He’s moving along nicely, but we can’t get ahead of ourselves.

"We’ve got to stay in the moment as well as prepare for the future,” said the trainer.

“We’ve got ambitions with our fighters and we’re tutoring them so that when they go further, they won’t be found wanting.

“That’s really where we are with George.

"When he has to step up, he won’t find that gulf or find himself in a harsh environment.

"He’ll be ready and we can keep moving forward.

“Touch wood, when he fights for titles, he will win them and he’ll be able to defend them because he’s good enough and strong enough.”