PAWEL Augustynik has the chance to become Taunton's first professional boxing champion when he challenges Jordan Joseph for the vacant Southern Area title in Bristol on February 29, writes Marc Gatford.

They say fights are won and lost in the gym.

Not under the lights with the crowd looking on, but in the blood, sweat and tears of training camp.

So it's no surprise to find Augustynik's coach dropping a heavy medicine ball onto his abdomen at Taunton's Activate Fitness.

"This is good for simulating an opponent's punch landing," said the red-faced prospect Augustynik.

"I need to be prepared to not have everything my own way this time."

Augustynik has scorched through ten straight opponents in two years, earning himself a shot at the Southern Area light heavyweight title.

Should he come through victorious, the 24-year-old will enter the history books as the first Taunton boxer to claim the coveted belt.

WATCH: Pawel Augustynik in training (video: Peter Wintrip)

The man standing in his way is Jordan Joseph, an experienced operator with a winning record.

"I remember watching Joseph against Joshua Buatsi," Augustynik said.

"He's a real tough kid, who has mixed it at a higher level than me. I'm going to need a career-best performance."

Joseph, who was born into a fighting family, represents Augustynik's first acid test and a real step up in quality.

The Londoner has won eight contests and has fought live on both Sky and BT Sport.

Despite the gap in professional pedigree, Augustynik's manager, Chris Sanigar, believes his man is ready.

"I think the contest will be highly competitive and highly entertaining with Pawel coming through with maybe a points win or a late stoppage," Sanigar said.

"There may be a few rocky moments, but that's what we'll find out.

"It's all about finding how good Pawel is and how far we can take him.

"He'll be attending our gym here in Bristol on a more regular basis. There will be a lot more attention paid to him. He becomes the number one priority."

Over the next month, the light heavyweight will live in a bubble of repetition and routine, pushing himself to the limit.

Claiming the title will open the door to big opportunities in a talented domestic division.

"It's very important to win and then he'll be ready to take on all-comers," Sanigar concluded.

Augustynik's career is made possible by sponsors: Activate fitness, P&P Autos, Rest & Relax: Sports & Holistic Massage Therapies, Intense Nutrients, The Inner Garden, Growth Technology, DSG: Delta Security Group, Peter Wintrip Video, ProDog Raw, The Goldmarket Sw Ltd.

Tickets for the big fight on February 29 are available from £35. Call: 07477 699968