LEE Churcher has praised newly-turned professional Sean McGoldrick for helping get him ready for his world title fight in Newport next month.

The vacant WBU world middleweight crown will be on the line at Pill Millennium Centre on Saturday, December 3 when Churcher faces Ghana’s Ishmael Tetteh.

Commonwealth Games champion McGoldrick is just starting off in the professional ranks but has been using his years in the amateurs to boost Churcher’s chances of beating the African.

The Newport duo have been working hard in the gym in recent weeks, including sessions in Cardiff with the backing of sponsors SOS Athletic Excellence.

Now that the venue for the fight and Churcher’s opponent have finally been settled, the former soldier is taking himself “to the next level”.

The bout was originally thought to be taking place at the Newport Centre in October.

That changed to a showdown with James Flinn for the Universal Boxing Organisation’s 160lb strap in Nottingham, which would have been held last Saturday.

However, now it is back to Tetteh in Pill for the WBU belt in three weeks.

The show also features Maesteg’s former European champion Jason Cook and Carmarthen’s Carwyn Herbert, as well as several semi-pro contests.

“It’s all systems go,” said Churcher. “I’m taking myself to the next level for this fight.

“I’m never going to be a Gennady Golovkin but winning this belt would be a good achievement for someone like me who turned pro late.

“It was supposed to be at Cwmbran Stadium but there was a problem with that venue and it’s now at Pill Millennium Centre.

“We’ve got two other pro fights involving Carwyn Herbert and Jason Cook, and probably eight semi-pro contests with some really good match-ups.”

Highlighting McGoldrick’s role in his preparations, he added: “I’ve been training with Sean McGoldrick and the guy is so knowledgeable, he is bringing me on leaps and bounds.

“I’ve got so much faith in that kid, he is going to be a world champion in a couple of years.

“He has brought his experience of training with GB Boxing and passed that on, and I’ve felt the benefit of that.”

The show starts at 7pm, tickets are priced at £30 (standard) and £40 (ringside), and can be bought by calling 07468497362.