A MATURING Mike Fafera is preparing for his fifth professional boxing match with his 100 per cent still intact.

The York light-heavyweight won his fourth pro bout of four last month when he saw off Cambridge-based boxer Gianni Antoh on a unanimous points decision.

In that fight, the 24-year-old Fafera put into action his new game plan, one that he developed following his previous fight against Edgars Sniedze.

"I learnt a lot from that fight," he said.

"I though, 'I'm going to in there and knock him out' blah blah blah.

"Don't get me wrong, it's good to finish it early but sometimes it doesn't come and it's better not to force it.

"It's a good learning curve.

"The game plan for the fight (against Antoh) was not to blow myself out and not to knock him out, just to go every round, and if a knockout comes, it comes.

"I wanted to win every round, and I ended up doing that comfortably, and I thought I put on a good show.

"I feel so experienced since that last fight - I didn't feel I had to go at a 100 miles an hour."

Up next for Fafera is a return to the Elland Road Banqueting Suite for a show on Saturday, July 13.

"I'd love everyone in York to come and show their support," he said.

"I had a great turnout last time. I put a good performance on and people have said I've improved since.

"My goal by the end of the year is to get everybody in York together and put York back on the boxing map."

The only downside of the Antoh fight was a torn bicep for Fafera, though he is confident it is healing well.

He has also added the strength and conditioning expertise of Connor Clennan to his team alongside coach Steve Melton, and is sparring with some of the country's top-10 light-heavyweights.

"I can't believe how much I've been missing out on," he said of Clennan's impact, which he says has helped improve his power, flexibility and agility. "Steve's been putting loads more work into me. We've slowed things down and we've been working on my technique and movement."

He added: "I'd like to say thanks to my sponsors for supporting me -KPA Support, Noodle Box and Motoplex."

Doors for the show at Elland Road Banqueting Suite are at 6pm, fights start at 7pm. Standard tickets are £40 tables of 10 run from £750 to £950. For tickets, phone Fafera on 07597 156546 or message him via Facebook.

Anyone interested in sponsoring Fafera can contact him through the same channels.