CANNING TOWN boxer Dwayne Night Nurse Lewis believes he can be the dark horse in the super middleweigh division. The likes of Olympic medallists James Degale, Tony Jeffries and Darren Sutherland have been grabbing the headlines for their amateur exploit

CANNING TOWN boxer Dwayne 'Night Nurse' Lewis believes he can be the dark horse in the super middleweigh division.

The likes of Olympic medallists James Degale, Tony Jeffries and Darren Sutherland have been grabbing the headlines for their amateur exploits, but Lewis is adament that he's the best of the emerging bunch.

"These Olympians are getting all the coverage because they did well in the amateur game and that's fair enough, but people need to realise that amateur boxing and professional boxing are two different sports altogether," he said.

"You only have to look at what's happened to both of Britain's medallists from the previous two Olympics.

"(Amir) Khan's been knocked out and his chin is always going to be a problem in the pro's and Audley Harrison has failed abysmally in making a name for himself.

"All credit to these guys for what they've done as amateurs, but the pros is a man's sport.

"It takes a different set of attributes to succeed in the pro game and a lot of these good amateurs fade away and never amount to anything as professionals."

Lewis is currently unbeaten in seven pro starts and has his next outing at the York Hall, Bethnal Green on July 18.

The bout is on the undercard of the British light heavyweight title clash between unbeaten duo Danny McIntosh and Nathan Cleverly, with the Hennessy Sports event being screened live on ITV4.

The 30-year-old has been sparring with Beijing gold medallist Degale in preparation, but feels that the hot prospect still has much to learn.

"I found the sparring with him quite easy," he said.

"As far as I'm concerned he's still an amateur.

"When you turn professional you need to change you're style and I don't think he's done that yet.

"Everything is different in the pro ranks including the training and the sparring and a lot of these amateur stars have to learn that the hard way."

As for Lewis, he is already planning ahead to his next bout.

"I want to get this one out of the way on July 18 and then have a couple of eight-rounders to get me in the mix for a Southern Area title before the end of the year.

"Then all going well I can start moving through the levels next year."

Tickets (�35 unreserved and �70 ringside) are available from the Ticketline box office on 0844 888 4402 or www.ticketline.co.uk.