Orpington’s Martin Hillman insists stepping up in distance will not be an issue as he prepares for his ninth professional fight.

The super bantamweight boxer will take on Tamas Laska at Maidstone on Saturday night looking for his fourth straight victory.

While Hillman’s last two fights were over six and eight rounds, he sealed early knockout wins in both meaning he has never been tested past four rounds.

However, Hillman believes he would have no problems if the fight went the full distance.

He said: “I don’t think it’s a concern. It will be good to get the six rounds to be honest and get the full distance.

“I’ve trained for longer fights before so I don’t think it will be an issue if it goes the distance. It would be good to get that experience of a longer fight.”

Hillman’s opponent, Hungarian Laska, has won eight of his 15 fights but has been beaten in his two previous clashes.

Hillman insists the European fighter will provide a stern test, but believes he has the ability to continue his development with another victory.

“I don’t like to know too much about my opponents but he’s got a winning record and has been in with some top opponents and been the distance,” the 25-year-old said.

“He’s an experienced, tough guy who is coming over to win.

“But training has gone really well and I feel good and fit – I just can’t wait to get back down to business now.”

Having previously trained at Body Shots in Dartford and Eltham’s ABC gym, Hillman now travels to Rochester for sessions in-between working as a full-time mechanic.

The Sidcup-born fighter has recorded two consecutive knockout wins and believes he has become a more powerful boxer in recent months.

“That’s something we have been working on in training, I definitely think I’m progressing,” Hillman, 25, said.

“I’m in my mid-20s now and feel I’m getting naturally stronger.

“In the amateurs I general won or lost on points, but now I feel I’ve got more power to my game and am capable of knocking guys out.”

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