Alex Branson-Cole is enjoying being a role model to the younger generation at Faversham’s Creekside Boxing Club.

Branson-Cole will have his second bout since turning professional this weekend in Essex.

The 29-year-old roofer marked his professional debut with victory in March and he will look to make it two from two on Saturday against CJ Wood at the Circus Tavern in Purfleet.

Branson-Cole still trains regularly at Creekside and, when asked if he now felt he was becoming an influence to younger fighters at the club, he replied: “I guess so, especially with some of the young boys.

“They look up to me. They always ask me questions - what to eat, what not to eat, how to train and how many miles to run.

“I guess I’m a positive role model which is quite nice, really. I guess that’s a good thing.”

The middleweight may be competing outside the county on this occasion but should still have plenty of support.

He commented: “I have sold about 80 tickets, which is good. It’s great support from the town and everyone else that supports me.

"That’s what you need, you need good backing.”

Branson-Cole, who believes he is the first professional boxer out of Faversham in more than 60 years, beat Mexican Fernando Valencia on the Boxing Connected show at Maidstone Leisure Centre during his first pro fight.

He admits he has noticed a difference between fighting in the amateur and professional ranks, saying: “It’s been a long time [coming, referring to this weekend’s bout], really, because I had one fight cancelled but I’ve been carrying on training and this fight came up.

“It feels like it’s been a long time but I’m ready to go now.

"I feel fit. I have had some great sparring and some great training.

“I kind of knew what it was going to be like [going pro] from fighting in the amateurs. It’s the same sport but fighting amateur and professional is different.

“When you get under the lights, it’s bigger crowds and longer rounds.

“So as much as it’s the same sport, it does feel different.”

Branson-Cole, whose great-grandfather Albert Bone was also a professional boxer, doesn’t know much about Wood, who has already had 12 professional bouts and has a mixed record.

He explained: “He’s different from my last opponent. I have not done much research.

“My trainer [Ian Fleckney] does the research. We then set the game plan together and go for it from there.”

While Branson-Cole is careful about what he eats, life with his day job is not without temptation.

He said: “When I’m working out and about, I get offered a lot of chocolate biscuits and things like that.

“It’s quite tempting because I like a biscuit but I know that I have to be careful with what I can and cannot eat, with my training.”

For tickets, message Branson-Cole on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Branson-Cole will also be featuring alongside former British world champion John H Stracey at a special boxing evening at the Alexander Centre in Faversham on Friday, December 2.