A Bradford boxer is eager to “put on a show” in his latest professional bout this weekend.

Francis Kershaw, 24, who trains at Osta’s boxing based in Pudsey, currently boasts a 5-0-0 record and he’ll be looking to make it a total of six career victories on Saturday.

He takes on Perry Howe (5-14-1), of Sheffield, at the Oldham Leisure Centre, a place that has been a kind stomping ground for the Bradford native of late having won his last two bouts there.

Looking ahead to his 6th professional fight, Kershaw said to the T&A: “I’m feeling great; preparation has gone very well, and I’ve been matched with some good fighters in sparring like Ishmael Davis (13-0-0), so it’s been a positive last few months.

“I just can’t wait to get back out there and showcase my talent once again. The work is done, so it’s now up to me to go out there and show what I can do.”

This Saturday’s bout is set to be Kershaw’s third in just over six months which points to him being an extremely active fighter.

“It’s extremely important (to stay active),” Kershaw said.

“I suppose a lot of boxers will do the same thing, when, if they are putting in the hard work, then they’ll want to show it off as much as possible and I’m no different.

“The more active you are, the more opportunities you might get, so that’s why I’m looking to push forward at every opportunity.”

Kershaw takes on Howe (5-14-1), 34, this weekend, but he confirmed that his opponent is relatively unknown to him.

He said: “For me, particularly at this stage in my career, I don’t tend to properly look into my opponents.

“It’s about focusing on my own game and turning up and fighting. My coach and I believe in my abilities so I’m more than capable of playing my own game and delivering a strong performance.”

He added: “Of course, when I do move up the levels, then I will do more research on my opponents and conduct a gameplan with my coach, but for now I trust my trainer and myself.”

For Kershaw, four out of his five victories so far have come through a points decision, while his first and only knockout (TKO) came in his first ever professional bout.

The Bradford native is hoping for a strong performance this weekend.

He said: “It would be nice to get a statement win and I’m hopeful I can achieve that on Saturday.

“What I do know is that I’m going to put a show on.

“My sparring has been at a strong level, and it gives me confidence in my chances to go out there and put on a big display.”

It’s been back to the wall action for Kershaw in recent months having undergone training camps for his last three fights in quick succession, and he admitted that it has taken its toll on him.

He said: “More than the physical side of things, it’s been more mentally challenging for me.

“Boxing is a lonely sport and there is a lot that goes into it. A lot of boxers don’t tend to speak about the loneliness within the sport, but it’s always there.

“It can be mentally draining on you, but I suppose that if you’ve got goals to go somewhere, then you’ve got to get through it.”

Giving his thoughts on the rigorous dieting plans that boxers have to go through during a training camp, Kershaw said: “For this fight I’m coming in a bit heavier, so it’s been a bit smoother.

“It can be really tough, but it’s boxing for you, I suppose.”