CHARD’S Paul Roberts reckons that by the end of his boxing career, his record will make better reading – and he could have a belt or two on his mantlepiece, writes Matthew Bozeat.

Roberts goes into his fight in Taunton on Friday, February 21 with a 2-2-1 record but, after a year out, the former solid amateur says that when he fights opponents his own size, fans will see what he can do.

The 24-year-old believes he can be a force at super-flyweight and said: “I’m looking for a title shot this year.

“Either a title shot or to become a mandatory for a title shot.

“At super-flyweight, nobody bothers me.

“[British champion] Sunny Edwards is a great fighter, but I would love the chance to get in there with him.

“I need to start fighting opponents my own size.

“I’ve been fighting opponents coming down from 130lbs to fight me at 122 lbs. I should be fighting at 115lbs.

“I’ve been fighting bigger lads and haven’t been able to show what I can do.

“The aim this year is to start selling tickets, try to be someone people want to come and see and try to get on the telly.”

The news that promoter Mo Prior has four shows pencilled in for Taunton this year is good for Roberts as he looks to get his career going.

“I didn’t box last year because of pull outs and it cost me,” he said.

“I lost deposits on coaches and went to Marbella to train for a fight that fell through.

“The trip to Marbella was a great experience, but it was disappointing not to fight after I got back.”

Roberts has been throwing punches for as long as he can remember.

“My family had a pub in Frimley Green and there was a gym next door,” he said.

“I remember running around there when I was six years old.”

The family moved to Chard, where Roberts’s father Keith set up an amateur boxing club.

Paul had around 60 amateur bouts, reaching a CYP final and the latter stages of other championships at junior level.

“I should have done better, but I wasn’t committed,” he said.

“I didn’t eat the right foods or do the right training. I boxed at 57kgs when I should have been at 54kgs.

“I’m doing things properly now.”

For ticket information for Roberts' fight in Taunton, call 07771 709902.