ODIHAM professional boxer Matt Goddard’s title ambitions have been handed a boost by the arrival of a new gym mate.

Goddard aims to take another step towards his title targets when he boxes on promoter Mickey Helliet’s show in Fareham on Saturday, September 21 – and Tamuka Mucha should ensure he is razor sharp for the sixth fight of his promising professional career.

Mucha is rated a red-hot prospect having won all five professional fights and has joined Goddard at Trevor Francis’s gym in Basingstoke.

“Tamuka is very good to have around,” said the 22-year-old Goddard.

“I’ve travelled everywhere for sparring and now I have top-quality sparring on my doorstep.

“He is bigger than me and that makes it really tough for me. I can’t just push him around and bash him up. We work together to improve each other.”

Goddard could meet a former sparring partner for the Southern Area light-welterweight title.

Danny Connor puts his belt on the line against Tony Owen on Saturday, October 5 and Goddard said: “I’ve sparred Danny and he’s a good guy.

“I like Tony as well, but this is business and I wouldn’t think twice about boxing either of them.

“I’ve just got to keep winning, keep developing and make my move when the time is right.

“By the start of next year I see myself being ready to box for the Southern Area title, then I want to move on and win the English and British titles.”

Goddard is not the only boxer from the area targeting the Lonsdale belt.

Dean Francis will meet Courtney Fry in an eliminator for the British light-heavyweight title in Manchester on October 5 and Goddard has painful memories of sharing a ring with the Basingstoke boxer.

“We sparred when I was about 13 years old and he almost knocked me out with a jab!” he laughed. “Dean was only playing with me, but I had never felt anything like it before in my life.

“Hopefully, if we both keep winning maybe we can bring some big shows to Basingstoke.”

Tickets for the show in Fareham are available from Goddard on 07803 837129.