TAUNTON boxing star Pawel August competes live on Boxnation on Saturday night against seasoned campaigner Dariusz Sek for the WBC International Light-Heavyweight Silver title, writes Marc Gatford.

August heads into battle in front of the TV cameras for the first time, challenging for a belt that could help the winner achieve a world ranking.

WBC vice president Mauro Betti said: “The vacant WBC International 175Lbs Silver belt is at stake and there is a possibility for the winner to enter the WBC Ratings.”

“Winning the WBC international has been a great stepping stone for many boxers to reach stardom.”

He has scorched through 11 opponents in three years, capturing a Southern Area crown, a boisterous fanbase and the attention of Hall-of-Fame promoter Frank Warren.

Earlier this year, Queensberry Promotions signed August to a five-fight deal that will keep the 25-year-old active for the next 18 months.

Queensberry’s Francis Warren said: “Pawel is tough, he’s strong, he can punch and he’s very marketable.

“We don’t need to rush with him: it’s a marathon, not a sprint - he’s a terrific young fighter that can go far.”

August emphatically stopped Jordan Joseph back in February, helping him to secure a career-changing contract with Queensberry.

Now he faces Sek, a veteran southpaw and a former European-title challenger - and an opponent August isn’t taking lightly.

“I’m preparing for the fight of my life,” said August, who’s been locked in training camp for the last two months.

“On paper it’s the toughest fight I’ve had.

“Sek has 28 wins and he’s very experienced - he’s been in the game a long time and I am not underestimating what he brings to the table.

“His style is quite unpredictable, he likes to box and move a lot.

“There’s a lot on the line - winning this fight will help to build my profile and could open up a lot of opportunities for me.”

“I’m buzzing to have signed with Queensbury and I’ve never been on this kind of big platform before and I’m excited to get out there under the lights.”

Manager Chris Sanigar, who has steered August’s career since he turned professional in 2016, believes a victory for the Taunton man could lead to even bigger nights.

“He’s now in the international shop window and if he does well and looks the business he could be elevated to [boxing on] BT Sport.

“But we don’t want to put too much pressure on Pawel - all he’s got to do is beat the guys we put in front of him.

“He may learn more in this fight than in his last 11 fights.

“It will be a great experience for Pawel - the only ones who have beaten Sek have been very, very capable.

“It’s not sink or swim, but he needs to perform - it’s all about the performance.

"We’re hoping for big things from Pawel and we’re excited.

"All Pawel needs to do is win, look good, and the ball will keep rolling.”

August's sponsors are as follows: P&P Auto Services, Brenden Roofing Ltd, Intense Nutrition, Growth Technology, DSG Close Protection, Body Coaching, Animal Microchips.