STEVE Bendall believes protégé Jake Gosling is capable of closing in on a shot at the Southern Area title after winning his third professional bout.

Bournemouth-based Gosling beat on points experienced campaigner Jody Meikle, a 33-year-old from Scunthorpe with more than 50 fights under his belt.

“Jake is coming on very well,” said Bendall.

“He had a couple of tricky moments in the last round but that will help to teach him the right way and, hopefully, he will keep progressing.

“We’re hoping to get him out again in May or June to build him up to about eight fights and, if he comes through them well, then we will start looking at putting him in for the Southern Area title.”