Robert Nelson is chasing ABA glory - and a ticket to the pros.

The vastly-experienced Karmand amateur is aiming to become the latest national champion to be churned out by the Barkerend club, although he faces a stern test in the bantamweight final at the ExCel Arena next Friday against England's No 1 Nick McDonald.

But it could be the ideal preparation for a possible move into the paid ranks.

Karmand coach Dave Cariss certainly believes Nelson has what it takes to follow the likes of Femi Fehintola and Gavin Smith.

He said: "I've known Robert since he was eight and he has got the talent to turn pro. I honestly think he will do it and be good enough for a shot at a title within two years.

"He has had 83 amateur bouts and won 73 of them. He's won two schoolboy titles, been in two junior finals and boxed in Russia.

"Robert has been to the quarter-finals and the semis of the ABAs before so he's been around a bit. He's been laid off for three years but come straight back in and reached the final."

The 24-year-old, who can also box at fly, showed his mettle in the semi-finals at Preston last week to crush Charles Brahmbhatt. The Bexley boxer, No 3 in the rankings behind McDonald, was comprehensively beaten 29-11.

But Nelson will still start second favourite in London against Liverpool's McDonald from the Vauxhall Motors club.

McDonald, who is eyeing November's World Championships, already claims he has won the 2005 final after edging rival Stephen Smith in the West Lancashire decider by a single point. In the semi-finals, he beat Danny Webb of Broad Plain.

Cariss said: "The other lad didn't want to know against McDonald and never looked like giving him anything back. That won't be the case with Robert, who is going down there to win. We know he's the underdog but that won't make any difference."

Cariss is hoping that Nelson's success will encourage a potential sponsor to step forward and ease his transition into the pro game.

"We are trying to find someone who can pay him a wage so that he can concentrate full-time on his boxing career. He's at that age now where he is ready to make the move but he needs somebody who can give him that help."

l Fehintola stretched his record to 9-0 with a narrow six-round success over Sheffield lightweight Daniel Thorpe at Rotherham. Ref Mickey Vann scored the contest 57-56.

l Nathan Joseph is running a supporters' coach to Norwich for his crack at the British Masters cruiserweight title against Earl Ling on Saturday, April 9.

The West Bowling fighter has clashed with Ling twice before and is aiming for third time lucky after a draw and defeat.

For details of the trip, which includes a hotel stop-over, contact Joseph on 07919 086728 or Glen Mathers 07733 212874.