Junior Thompson has his fingers crossed he will make his professional debut next month.

Thompson boxes a welterweight four-rounder on an action-packed championship bill in Whitwick on Sunday, March 11 – hopefully.

He's been a professional boxer for 18 months – and has yet to have a fight.

Thompson's debut has fallen through an astonishing seven times – most recently at Hermitage Leisure Centre last December.

"I got to the venue, weighed in and waited for my opponent," said the 24 year-old from New Parks. "I waited and waited – and he never turned up. His trainer tried to contact him, but he went missing."

Thompson ended up boxing an exhibition against Lee Jevons and they meet again for real on promoter Clifton Mitchell's latest show that also features Huncote ticket-seller Marc Ketnor and Sheldon 'Lights Out' Purdy.

"Lee will definitely turn up," laughed Thompson. "I've sparred Lee and know he's fit, strong and comes to fight. If I use my skills I will outbox him, but I'm feeling strong enough to stand there and trade punches and I think Lee felt my punches when we boxed that exhibition."

As an amateur, Thompson's skills took him all the way to a National Schoolboy championship final when he boxed for Old Robin Hood ABC – now Leicester Railwaymen's ABC – and now he's ready to finally start his professional career.

"All the fights falling through has been disheartening," he said, "and it's been hard to stay motivated. But I've got a fight to work towards now – and I'm sure it's going to happen."

Sky Sports could be bringing their cameras to Whitwick for the show, topped by Matt Hainy and Liam Robinson going toe-to-toe for the vacant British Masters middleweight championship.

A spokesman confirmed they are planning to film all the action to show on their popular 'Ringside' show. Tickets are available from 07746-146960.