HENRY WHARTON believes that it is George Davey’s “time to shine” as the prospect prepares for a step-up bout later this month.

Davey will face Netherlands-born Jeff Thomas at London’s York Hall on Saturday, September 26, featuring on the undercard to super lightweight world champion Josh Taylor’s title defence against Apinun Khongsong.

The contest sees Davey make a significant step-up in opposition in only his third fight and his first since November amid the pandemic.

Thomas boasts 12 wins from his 22 bouts and has lost just two of his last eight.

Davey’s trainer and manager Wharton is confident in his protege rising to the challenge.

“He was the original opponent (for Davey’s proposed May 2 fight) and he’s the opponent that we’re boxing now,” explained Wharton.

“Listen, he’s a good kid and a lad who’s experienced, with a good record, a load of wins behind him and he’s been pro for a long time.

“And it’s a good test for George. But it shows that they (promoter Frank Warren’s team) think a lot about George to give him this test at this stage of his career, which is when he’s in his learning stage.

“They’re pushing him forward on a card which is absolutely to be on.

“To be on this type of card, representing the Warren stable on a show on BT Sport is fantastic.

“It’s a fantastic platform for a young man on his way up, without a doubt.

“It’s a time for George to shine because, let’s face it, each and every one of the boxers will be up for it.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity and it’s up to George to seize the moment.

“We’ve got young men now from the city of York who are representing us live on BT Sport - how good is that?”

Wharton thinks that the move is the right one at the right time for Davey.

“Listen, we think of highly George, I think we’ve always made that plain and simple,” he continued.

“Of course, we’re a little cautious too because we don’t want to step him up anywhere faster or slower than needs to be.

“I don’t think we are doing that. I think this is the right move at this time.

“George has been in the gym for a long time, so has the kid (Thomas), and good luck to him. I still think that George will come through it.

“But it’s a very, very interesting fight and we’ll find out where we are with him (Davey).

“I’m confident in George’s ability and that he can come through. It may be a tougher fight than we’ve anticipated. But, at the same time, we’re not expecting him to roll over because this kid is good.

“At the current time, they (the promoters) are taking no easy fights, they’re all 50-50 fights.

“Fighting behind closed doors, it’s not ideal, let’s face it.

“But we’ve got to take what we can get right now.”